Dental Bridges – New Haven, CT

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a multi-unit dental prosthetic. There are a few different types of bridges, but the most common is known as a fixed bridge, crown and bridge, or a traditional bridge. It has two crowns, which get attached to the teeth on either side of an empty space (the abutment teeth). The crowns support 1 – 3 artificial teeth between them, which “bridge” the gap.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

The process of placing a dental bridge usually takes place across two appointments. At the first appointment, we prepare the abutment teeth to support crowns. This means we must modify their shape so they fit well beneath the restoration. Then, we take an impression of the teeth. That impression serves as the basis for designing a custom restoration.

While a dental laboratory prepares your permanent bridge, you will a temporary one to protect your prepared teeth. When your permanent bridge is ready, we will verify its fit before we use dental cement to secure it in place.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer many benefits, including:

• Reliable function. Dental bridges are quite sturdy, and they can enable you to eat practically any food with confidence.
• Prevent dental drift. When you lose a tooth, the adjacent teeth may begin to drift out of place. A fixed bridge can prevent this issue.
• Dental bridges can be constructed of various materials, but we tend to favor all-porcelain bridges. They are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
• If you care well for your dental bridge, it has the potential to last for 10 years or longer.
• Easy maintenance. Caring for a dental bridge does not take a lot of time or effort. Be sure to brush it thoroughly. You may also need to use a floss threader to clean the small space between the artificial teeth and your gums.
• Cost-effectiveness. A fixed bridge typically costs less than other tooth replacement options.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for Me?

If you have lost one or more teeth in a row, and your remaining natural teeth are strong enough to support crowns, a dental bridge may be ideal for you. However, many patients choose to receive implant-supported prosthetics instead. Dental implants prevent the need to modify the nearby teeth, and they provide bone health benefits that a traditional bridge does not.

Are you ready to learn more about dental bridges or our other restorative dentistry options? Contact the team at New Haven Dental today.