Dental Bridges
As the name suggests, a dental bridge is a restoration that “bridges” a gap in your smile. If you’ve recently lost a tooth, our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists may recommend a dental bridge to restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Here’s what you need to know about dental bridges.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that’s anchored in place by crowns on adjacent teeth or implants. Together, the prosthetic tooth and crowns make up one dental restoration called a bridge.
A dental bridge is an alternative to partial dentures. But unlike dentures, a dental bridge is a fixed appliance.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure will take at least two visits to our dental office in Ann Arbor, MI.
First, we’ll use a local anesthetic to relieve any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Once you’re numb, we’ll shape the teeth on opposite sides of the gap so they can accommodate the crowns. Next, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to send to a trusted dental lab.
The lab will be able to create a permanent dental bridge from these impressions. But we’ll need to place temporary crowns over your teeth in the meantime until you arrive for your second appointment with us.
During your second visit, your permanent dental bridge will be ready. One of our dentists will ensure that the shape, shade, and fit of the dental crown matches the rest of your smile. Then, they’ll remove the temporary crowns and bond the dental bridge in place.
The result is a healthier, more attractive smile.
Pros and Cons
It’s important that you as soon as possible. Once you lose one tooth, the adjacent teeth lose their support and may begin to lean toward the open space. This can lead to further tooth loss in the long run.
One of the main is that it helps support the other teeth in your smile. That way, you reduce your risk of losing more teeth. Replacing a missing tooth will also improve your speech, eating, and confidence.
A disadvantage of a dental bridge is that we’d have to alter the shape of adjacent teeth in order for the crowns to fit over top. For this reason, some patients opt for partial dentures or dental implants.
Ultimately, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists to learn more about your tooth replacement options.
Request an Appointment With Us
Have you recently lost a tooth? If so, it’s time to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists in Ann Arbor, MI. They’d be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options, including dental bridges.
To schedule an appointment, please call Excel Dental at (734) 929-9999. You may also fill out our online contact form.