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Bridges
Many people who lose one or more back teeth are often inclined to do nothing to replace them. After all, no one will see it. Unfortunately, losing teeth anywhere in your mouth can cause bite problems, gum disease, and drifting teeth. If you have missing teeth, we may suggest replacing them with a bridge.
WHAT ARE “FIXED BRIDGES”?
Fixed bridges replace missing teeth. A fixed bridge has two abutments, crowns covering the adjacent teeth, attached to a pontic, tooth replacing the missing space. They are usually made of porcelain covering metal or gold. In some instances where appearance is important all porcelain bridges are necessary.
ARE FIXED BRIDGES NECESSARY?
Often many people who lose a back tooth are inclined to do nothing to replace it. Unfortunately, losing a tooth can start a vicious cycle of destruction.
In a normal, healthy mouth, your teeth have a natural balance. Each upper tooth contacts the corresponding lower tooth, allowing for a well-balanced chewing function. Losing a tooth quickly destroys this balance.
A functional mouth has 28 teeth (14 upper and 14 lower – excluding wisdom teeth). They work as a team. Each tooth has three companion teeth: the two adjacent teeth and the opposing tooth. These companion teeth provide support and stability.
Drifting, shifting, periodontal disease, and abnormal decay areas are some of the problems that can occur when your tooth loses the support of a companion. The adjacent teeth shift inward toward the missing space. This causes open spaces between the adjacent teeth and their companion. The opposing tooth will drift down into the space left behind by the missing tooth. This causes interferences which will affect eating and talking.
As the opposing tooth drifts out of its socket, the bone support is lost and the tooth will inevitably be lost as well. This cycle is a domino effect which will lead to the loss of many otherwise healthy and vital teeth.
In the picture below, a lower molar has been lost. Its neighbors and biting partners are jeopardized. This is what happens:
- The opposing molar will super-erupt.
- The unprotected ridge is subject to trauma.
- The neighbor teeth tilt, destroying proper functional balance.
- Shifting teeth create spaces which food will become trapped and lead to decay and periodontal disease.
- Bone is destroyed as teeth drift and tip.
WHAT WILL A FIXED BRIDGE DO?
A fixed bridge will accomplish the following:
- Replace missing teeth.
- Help balance and restore a normal bite.
- Help prevent unnatural stress on the dental ridge.
- Prevent over-eruption of opposing teeth.
- Prevent shift and tilt of adjacent teeth.
- Help prevent formation of decay in abnormal areas.
- Help retard the onset of periodontal disease.
HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS WILL MY BRIDGE TAKE?
Your first appointment is for preparation of the tooth. An impression is made from which the bridge will be made in the laboratory. A temporary bridge is made that you will wear on the tooth for 2-3 weeks.
After our laboratory finishes your bridge, you will have a second appointment for "seating". We try it in and make minor adjustments to your bite, etc. The bridge is then repolished and cemented on your tooth. The cement sets in a few minutes and your bridge is ready for full use as soon as you leave our office.
CAN MY TEMPORARY BRIDGE COME OFF?
Yes! That is why we call them "temporary"! If your temporary bridge comes off, no harm is done. Call our office right away and we will recement it for you. It is important to have your temporary bridge recemented to ensure the fit of your permanent bridge. If the temporary bridge is left out of the mouth for more than a day or two the teeth will begin to shift and the custom fabricated permanent bridge will not fit at the cementation appointment. Until your permanent bridge is seated avoid sticky or very hard foods.
