Dental bridges have been used for decades to replace missing teeth. Implants are another way to replace missing teeth, but bridges have several advantages and have an excellent long term success rate. Bridges today are typically solid ceramic and almost impossible to break. When done correctly, the missing tooth should be almost impossible to detect, and look and feel just like the missing tooth.
Reasons to get a dental bridge
A bridge is typically less expensive than an implant.
A temporary bridge is placed the day of the first appointment, replacing the missing tooth. This gives the patient a same day solution. The final bridge is cemented in place a couple weeks later. Comparatively, an implant typically takes four months to complete.
The teeth on either side of the missing tooth need to be reduced to make room for the bridge. These teeth are prepped the same as if they were getting individual crowns. If the teeth next to the missing teeth either have crowns or need them, no additional tooth structure needs to be removed.
Reasons to avoid a bridge
The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are healthy and don’t need crowns. If you would like to avoid drilling on these teeth, an implant would be a better solution.
Because teeth are connected with a bridge, you cannot floss between the teeth anymore. An implant is easier to clean and may be better for those with limited dexterity.
A bridge typically needs teeth on either side of the missing tooth to be replaced. If there is only a tooth on one side of the space, an implant is usually a better option.
Dental bridge procedure
A dental bridge is accomplished in two appointments. If the teeth next to the space have any restorations in them, they are removed along with any decay. Build up fillings are placed if necessary. The teeth next to the space are both prepped just as they would be for a crown. An impression is taken and a temporary bridge is placed. At the second appointment, the temporary is removed, the tooth structure cleaned, and the final bridge is cemented in place.
What makes Enamor bridges different
Dr. Melander only uses the highest-quality American labs to manufacture his bridges. These bridges don’t contain metal – they are usually made out of a solid piece of ceramic. A well made bridge feels exactly like regular teeth, and after it’s cemented in place, you shouldn’t even know that it’s there. Dr. Melander is very precise in fitting your bridge, which means you won’t have sensitivity, you won’t need to have your bite adjusted, and you won’t have food catch underneath the bridge.
Dr. Melander is a North Scottsdale dentist who has taken extensive continuing education is restoring teeth with dental bridges. If you would like to know out more about bridges, or find out why your bridge doesn’t look or feel right, please contact Enamor Dentistry today.