One or more missing teeth can adversely affect the appearance and functionality of your smile. Missing teeth can cause a change in occlusion (bite), shifting of the teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), speech impediments, an increased risk for periodontal disease and a greater chance of tooth decay.

Dental bridges, like implants and partial dentures, are used to replace missing teeth. There are several types of fixed dental bridges (bonded in place permanently), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges.

Typically, conventional and cantilever bridges require shaping of the teeth surrounding a missing tooth. Crowns are then placed on the shaped teeth and attached to an artificial tooth (called a pontic).

A resin-bonded bridge requires less preparation of adjacent teeth. It is often used to replace front teeth, provided that the gums are healthy and the surrounding teeth do not have extensive dental fillings.

 

Dental Bridges Consultation and Treatment Planning

Once we determine that a dental bridge is the best replacement for your missing tooth or teeth, you will be advised of different materials that the dental laboratory can use to make your restoration. Material availability will depend upon where in the mouth the bridge will be placed, and whether or not you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism). Dental bridges today can be fabricated from a combination of porcelain and metal, porcelain and gold, or exclusively with high-strength metal-free materials such as zirconia or alumina.

We will take X-rays and impressions of the area requiring a bridge, as well as preoperative photographs, for use in planning the ideal bridge restoration for you. Depending upon the number of consecutive teeth you are missing, your bridge could be three or more units; two crowns that are cemented to the teeth on either side of the space (called abutments), plus one or more false teeth (called pontics) to fill the space. Additional impressions will be taken after we prepare the abutment teeth for the bridge.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

During the first visit, we examine the health of your gums and other teeth to evaluate if you are a candidate for a dental bridge. If you are a candidate for a dental bridge, you are given a local anesthetic so we can prepare the teeth required to support the bridge. If the support teeth are decayed or badly broken down, we may have to build them back up before they can be used as support teeth for a bridge.

Next we take an impression of the prepared teeth with a putty-like material that is used to create a model of your teeth. Your bridge is fabricated based on this model by a skilled lab technician so that it precisely fits the prepared teeth. It is important that your restoration fit perfectly to avoid additional oral health problems such as tooth decay.

While your bridge is being fabricated, we will fit you with a temporary bridge so the teeth and gums can be protected from damage until your permanent bridge is ready.

To complete the dental bridge procedure, you must return to the dental office for a second visit to have the bridge fitted and cemented/bonded.

 

Below is a case by Dr Benic where a 3 unit porcelain bridge was constructed to replace a missing 2nd premolar (3rd tooth from the back). The 1st molar (2nd from the back) and 1st premolar (4th from the back) were used as abutment teeth. A separate full gold crown was placed on the 2nd molar (back tooth).

 

If you would like to arrange your initial consultation or you wish to understand more about dental crowns and/or our cosmetic dentistry services please Contact Us at our Mount Maunganui or Te Puke practice.