Bridges

Animated video of the preparation of                   
the teeth prior to placing a bridge                      

What is a Bridge?

A bridge fills the gap where a tooth is missing.  It includes a pontic (fake tooth) with crowns attached on either side.  The two crowns are fitted to the teeth adjacent to the missing one. Bridges are permanently bonded into place. 

How Long is the Procedure?

Bridges always take at least two appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Maxfield will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing any decay that may be present and reshaping the teeth.

Once the adjacent supporting teeth have been prepped, we will take impressions to send to the lab.  This ensures that the bridge will fit the teeth snugly, and that the bite relationship between the bridge and the opposing teeth will feel natural and comfortable.  

At the end of the first appointment, we will place a temporary bridge over the prepped teeth and the gap.  The temporary bridge will be removed at the second visit and replaced with the permanent bridge.  Bridges are permanently bonded to the neighboring teeth.

What are My Options?

 
 

If you have a missing tooth, a bridge is not your only option.  There are several  other treatment options that may be available to you, including:

Not all of these are possible in every situation.  In some cases a bridge may be the best choice.  Having a consultation can help determine the best treatment for you.

How to Care for a Bridge

It is important to note that you must floss under the bridge in addition to regular brushing and flossing. This is critical since the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.  Before you leave, we will show you exactly how to thread the floss under your bridge to keep it clean.

If you have an implant-supported bridge, you still need to brush!  You may not have real teeth there, but you can still get gum disease around the implants if they are not properly cared for.

Bridge Materials

Our bridges are typically made from a high-grade porcelain.  We will carefully match the shade of the bridge to the shade of your natural teeth.  Once the permanent bridge is placed, you should not be able to identify the difference between it and your natural tooth!

Bridges on Implants

When there are several teeth missing in a row, it is sometimes possible to use a bridge that attaches to implants instead of natural teeth.  Implant-supported bridges do take several months to complete, but may be preferable to other treatment options.  For more information on implants click here.