What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge is made by fabricating crowns on the teeth next to a missing space and a replacement tooth in the missing space that is attached to the crowns on either side. These joined crowns are cemented into place and cannot be removed by the patient.
Crowns and bridges are restorative dental procedures and can be made of various strong materials, such as: porcelain, metal and ceramics.
Bridges can:
- Restore your smile
- Provide you with the ability to properly chew and speak
- Maintain the intended shape of your face
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
When receiving a bridge, you will first have your anchor or “abutment” teeth prepared. Tooth preparation may involve removing part of these teeth in order to securely attach the dental crowns, which will hold the false tooth or teeth in place. Next, our West Columbia SC dentist will take an impression of your teeth, which is necessary for the lab to create your bridge. Your dentist will provide a temporary bridge to wear until the final bridge is placed.
The number of visits and the exact process may vary based on your West Columbia dentist‘s recommendation.