A bridge is a permanent dental restoration that replaces a missing tooth. It fills the space by “bridging” the gap between the two adjacent natural teeth. Bridges not only restore your smile, they also help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position and allow you to eat and speak normally again.
It’s natural to be a little nervous about the procedure if you’ve never gotten a dental bridge before. Here’s everything you need to know to feel more comfortable and confident about restoring your smile with a bridge.
A Step-By-Step Guide to the Dental Bridge Procedure
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Getting a dental bridge typically takes 2 or 3 appointments. The first visit starts with an examination of the area with missing teeth. We’ll take x-rays to make sure that the teeth on either side of the gap are strong enough to support the bridge. Then we will discuss your treatment options and whether or not a bridge, dental implant, or partial dentures will be best for you.
Step 2: Preparing the Abutment Teeth
If you are getting a dental bridge, the next step is to prepare the teeth that will support it. A bridge consists of a false tooth (or teeth) that is held in place by two crowns, one on either side of the gap. These “abutment teeth” will need to be shaped to fit the crowns that hold the false teeth of the bridge in place.
Step 3: Taking Impressions
Next, we’ll take precise impressions of your teeth to create an accurate mold for the dental bridge. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians will craft a custom bridge to ensure that it fits comfortably and functions correctly. The bridge is also designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size for a seamless smile.
Step 4: Placing a Temporary Bridge
It typically takes around two weeks to fabricate a custom dental bridge. So in the meantime, we place a temporary bridge to protect the abutment teeth while you wait. However, a temporary bridge is not as strong as a permanent one. You will need to avoid eating hard foods like nuts and seeds that can damage the temporary bridge or pop it out of place.
Step 5: Fitting and Placing the Final Bridge
Once the permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to have it fitted. We’ll remove the temporary bridge, set the final bridge, and make any necessary adjustments. We’ll ensure the bridge fits comfortably and that your bite is aligned correctly. Finally, we will securely bond the bridge in place using a special dental cement. Once it has hardened, you’ll be ready to show off your new smile.
Dental Bridges in Flagstaff, Arizona
If you have missing teeth, Country Club Dental can help you rebuild your confidence with a smile makeover. We’d be happy to walk you through the process of getting a bridge, an implant, or partial dentures.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 928-526-4314 today. Dr. Paul Whitney and Dr. Mikaela Weedman will be glad to meet you.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/5/2023). Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels
