All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are made with crowns on teeth that are used to fill in areas where teeth have been lost.
If a person has lost one or more teeth in between existing teeth, dental bridges may be used to fill in the missing teeth. The bridge spans the space with a crown that is attached to crowns supported by the teeth adjacent to the space. Bridges may be made out porcelain or a combination of porcelain and gold. Both bridges and crowns provide a natural appearance and function.
Key Benefits of Bridges:
- Restores broken, damaged, missing or decayed teeth
- Looks completely natural
- Allows normal function (chewing)
How long does it take for bridge treatment?
Bridge treatment usually is a two appointment procedure.
The first appointment typically takes about an hour and consists of removing any decay or old fillings, shaping the tooth to accommodate a bridge and making making an impression or model of the shaped teeth. Finally, the teeth are fitted with a provisional (or temporary) bridge that will allow for natural appearance and function while the bridge is being made.
The second appointment is much shorter in length and consists of removing the temporary bridge and replacing it with the new permanent bridge. This appointment usually takes less than an hour.
