Fixed dental bridges are often an excellent choice to replace one or more missing teeth. While it may be tempting to simply live without one or more teeth, it’s not a good idea. What happens when missing teeth are not replaced within a certain period of time is that the other remaining teeth will shift in place to fill in the gap left behind by the missing teeth. This can throw your bite out of alignment, making it difficult to chew food and even impacting your speech. Fortunately, modern dental technology provides several options for replacing missing teeth. One of the most popular are dental bridges, which is why we are pleased to offer this service to our patients from throughout the Austin, TX, area.
What You Should Know about Dental Bridges
Put very simply, a dental bridge consists of artificial teeth and porcelain crowns mounted onto a metal frame. The artificial teeth portion of the bridge is anchored in place by existing natural teeth on either side, which are covered by crowns and thereby become part of the bridge appliance. Porcelain fixed bridges are the most popular choice of patients because the porcelain material closely resembles natural teeth, meaning that the bridge is barely (if at all) noticeable. Because this type of bridge is “fixed” – meaning non-removable – it’s very much like getting brand new natural teeth to replace those that are missing. The unseen benefit of a fixed dental bridge is that is prevents other teeth from shifting in place – thereby preventing a myriad of other potential problems.
The Procedure Involved in Getting a Dental Bridge
You’ll need to visit our office at least twice to complete the process involved in getting a new dental bridge. During the first visit, the anchoring teeth on each side of where the bridge will sit are prepared for crowns. Next, an impression of these teeth is made, which will be used by a dental lab to create the permanent bridge. Between visits, you’ll be provided with a temporary bridge until the permanent version is completed.
During the second visit, Dr. Baines will fit you with your new permanent bridge, being careful to adjust it as necessary for the best fit possible. The bridge will be permanently cemented in place either on that visit, or during a later visit to allow your teeth and gums time to adjust to the new appliance.
Contact Our Office Today
There’s no need to live without a full set of teeth! To find out more about dental bridges, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Baines, call our office today.
