A dental bridge or fixed partial denture is a solution many dentists use when someone is missing a tooth or multiple teeth. Many times it is a preferred method to achieve a natural looking smile. A dental bridge consists of two crowns for the teeth on either side of a false tooth or teeth in between. Bridges can be made of several different types of materials consisting of metal, alloy, gold, and / or porcelain to ensure that the bridge is strong and durable. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.
Prior to installing a dental bridge, Dr. Hoyson will discuss with you the available options for addressing a gap. If it is deemed that the best solution for you is a dental bridge, we will usually have to reduce the size of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth to allow for the bridge to be anchored properly. This reshaping will provide a solid base for the bridge. Once these two abutments (or anchor teeth) have been created, a special mold is created of the area and sent to a dental lab. The dental lab will use this mold to create a custom bridge that will fit your mouth perfectly and will feel like your natural teeth. Dr. Hoyson will fit you with a temporary bridge that you can use until your permanent bridge is fabricated. The temporary bridge will protect the abutments and your gum in the area until the permanent bridge is created. The temporary bridge is much more appealing than having a missing tooth and the exposed anchor teeth.
When the permanent bridge is returned from the dental lab, we will fit the custom and will use an adhesive to ensure that the bridge will not move or come out. At first, the bridge may feel funny or foreign and takes a little getting used to, but after a short time, it will feel like your own teeth. Normally, we recommend that you eat soft foods for a few days after receiving the dental bridge, but you will soon be able to return to normal eating habits and enjoy your new smile for years to come.
