Replacing Missing Teeth With Dental Bridges in Greektown

A dental bridge is one of the more functional options for filling the gap left by one or several missing teeth. It literally acts as a bridge by using artificial teeth to restore both the function and look of your natural smile. These artificial teeth are supported by crowns placed on the surrounding teeth or implants.

Although a missing tooth might be more than just a gap in your smile, it could also make you eat more laboriously and, in some cases, even alter the way you speak. Over time, the teeth close to the gap will start to shift toward the space, which may result in alignment issues. A dental bridge prevents this by filling the gap and keeping the rest of your teeth in their correct positions.

Several dental bridge options are available. One of the most used is a traditional bridge. In this type, crowns are placed on each of the two healthy teeth on either side of your gap, to hold your artificial tooth in place.

The other option is a cantilever bridge, which is typically used where there is only one side with a natural tooth. Although not as strong as the traditional bridge, it may still be effective for most patients.

Then, there is the Maryland bridge. It doesn’t have any crowns but is made up of a framework of metal or porcelain. This framework is cemented to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap, which then holds the artificial tooth in place. Being more conservative, this does not require the preparation of the surrounding teeth; still, it is not as strong compared to traditional bridge options. 

Another option is the implant-supported bridge. As the term suggests, it relies on implants rather than crowns to hold this bridge in place. It is by far the strongest option and works well for patients who have multiple teeth missing.

Getting dental bridges usually requires more than one dental visit.

During the first visit, the dentist will look at your teeth and then take a series of x-rays. Your Danforth dnetist will also prepare the teeth next to the gap if  necessary.  Your dentist will make impressions of your teeth to send to a lab where the bridge is to be made; a temporary bridge may be put in place while waiting for the permanent one.

Once the permanent bridge is prepared, the dentist will replace it with the permanent bridge ensuring it’s a comfortable and secure fit.

The dental bridge requires little more care than natural teeth. Regular, thorough brushing and flossing help prevent decay and gum disease around the bridge. A special flossing tool provided by your dentist will make it easier to reach under the bridge to clean. Regular dental check-ups help keep the bridge in good condition. With proper care, dental bridges can last many years, providing a reliable method of replacing missing teeth.