Bridges
Porcelain fixed bridges are a non-removable solution to many cosmetic and health problems that can occur in your mouth. Some of the reasons for needing a porcelain fixed bridge include the following:
- Fill the spaces of missing teeth
- Maintain facial structure
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting position
- Restore chewing and speaking ability
- Restoration of smile
- Upgrading a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance
There are a variety of different bridges. Consulting with the dentist is necessary for deciding which option fits your particular circumstance. The most commonly used bridge is the porcelain fixed bridge, because it resembles your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists of two different crowns that are placed on two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth). The crowns are attached to the pontics (artificial teeth), that fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Bridges, like most other dental restorations, may eventually require replacements or may need to be re-cemented due to regular wear. Although this is the case with many dental restorations, bridges are made durable and strong. They are expected to last many years and provide you with a complete and functioning mouth and smile.
Procedure
The bridging procedure generally occurs over the period of two or more visits. While your teeth are numb, the two surrounding teeth are prepared for the bridge by removing a portion of enamel to fit for crowns. After which, highly accurate impressions (molds) are made, which will be used to create the temporary and permanent bridges.
Once the molds have been taken, your porcelain bridge will be custom-created in a dental laboratory over the course of several weeks. Sometime during this period, the doctor will place a temporary bridge.
At the second appointment, the permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted and cemented in. Occasionally the dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to accommodate your new bridge. The new bridge would then be permanently cemented at a later appointed time.
At the conclusion of your bridge installation and treatment, you will receive care and instructions regarding how you should care for and maintain your bridge. For optimal utilization of the bridge, proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits should be maintained.
