Fixed bridges quite simply replace missing teeth to make chewing easier, improve appearance, and keep your teeth, gums, and jaws healthy. Bridges consist of one or more replacement teeth anchored to the natural teeth next to them. They are made of various metals, porcelain, or a combination of the two.
Ask our dentists if you could benefit from a dental bridge.
All of our services are performed by a general dentist.
In a normal healthy mouth, your teeth have a natural balance. Each upper tooth contacts the corresponding lower tooth, allowing for a well-balanced chewing function. Just one missing tooth can cause the position of other teeth to change; some teeth may tilt forward, or opposing teeth may move down.
These shifting, drifting, and tilting teeth can cause a variety of problems such as difficult or painful chewing or abnormal decay areas which accelerates gum disease. Generally, if the missing tooth is not replaced, more teeth may eventually be lost due to improper forces exerted during chewing.
It will take two or more dental visits to prepare and fit your bridge.
First, your dentist reshapes the support teeth that will hold the crowns of your fixed bridge. Then an impression is taken of the prepared teeth, surrounding teeth, and opposing teeth. Your dentist will select a colour from a guide to make sure the replacement teeth match the colour of your natural teeth. The dentist may fit you with a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth while your fixed bridge is being made.
At your second visit, your temporary bridge is removed and your dentist places the fixed bridge onto your prepared teeth, adjusting it in your mouth. When the fit and bite are comfortable, the fixed bridge is cemented into place. If you think your bridge needs further adjusting after a few days of wear, call your dentist.
Because the trimmed down natural teeth must carry the load of missing teeth, they can sometimes be overloaded. Patients need to “favour” the bridged areas slightly to avoid overloading and potentially loosening or damaging the prostheses.
Good oral hygiene can help your bridge last longer. You may be able to extend your bridge’s life expectancy by:
We would love to meet you and your family. Visit us on Patella Boulevard NW, just off Panatella Street.
| Monday: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Sunday: | Closed |
