Restorative Dentistry
Dental Bridges
Procedure Description
When a tooth is lost due to trauma or disease, it leaves a gap that can cause surrounding teeth to shift from the forces of chewing, clenching, or grinding. A non-removable, custom-made ceramic bridge is an ideal solution for replacing the missing tooth and preventing this unwanted movement. The bridge is anchored by the teeth on either side of the gap, which are carefully prepared during the initial appointment. An impression of the area is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians craft the final bridge using tooth-colored ceramic material. During this fabrication period, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain aesthetics. At your follow-up appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and the supporting teeth are thoroughly cleaned and prepared with a bonding agent. The custom ceramic bridge is then permanently fixed in place using resin cement. Once the bridge is properly settled, any excess material is removed, leaving you with a bright, white smile that looks and functions naturally.
Dental Bridge
Indications
Dental bridges provide an effective solution for tooth replacement and functional restoration. Consider a bridge when:
When to Consider Dental Bridges
Missing One or More Teeth
Empty spaces in your smile that impact your appearance, chewing ability, and speech clarity.
Strong Supporting Teeth
The natural teeth flanking the gap have sufficient strength and stability to anchor the bridge.
Preventing Tooth Migration
Neighboring teeth are beginning to shift toward the empty space, potentially causing alignment and bite issues.
Preserving Facial Contours
Missing teeth may lead to jawbone loss and alterations in your facial structure over time.
Restoring Proper Bite
Tooth loss creates unbalanced chewing forces that can accelerate wear on your remaining teeth.
Note: If your adjacent teeth are healthy and don't require crowns, dental implants may be preferable since they preserve the integrity of neighboring tooth structure.
Benefits
Why Choose Dental Bridges?
Quick Treatment Timeline
Treatment can be completed in approximately 10 days from initial preparation to final placement.
Durable and Permanent
With proper care and oral hygiene, a well-crafted bridge can serve you indefinitely without needing replacement.
Non-Removable Restoration
Permanently cemented in place, providing the stability and comfort of natural teeth unlike removable alternatives.
Full Functional Recovery
Restores your ability to eat comfortably and speak confidently by eliminating gaps in your dentition.
Seamless Aesthetics
Precisely designed to blend with your existing teeth in shade, proportion, and contour for a harmonious smile.
Stabilizes Dental Alignment
Occupies the empty space to keep surrounding teeth from drifting and compromising your bite.
Alternatives
Dental Implants
Provides the most lifelike tooth replacement without involving neighboring teeth, though at a higher investment
Removable Partial Dentures
A more budget-friendly removable solution, though typically less stable and comfortable than fixed options
Implant-Retained Bridge
A bridge secured by dental implants rather than relying on adjacent natural teeth for support
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Locations Offering Dental Bridges
Available at all Philadelphia Dental locations throughout Philadelphia
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