A dental bridge is an appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth. It bridges the space between two teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented onto teeth on either side of the space. Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth by you. If you are missing any teeth and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you may be a good candidate for a bridge. If left unfilled, this space can cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position and can cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, leading to further tooth loss. Fixed bridges not only correct an altered bite, improve your chewing ability and speech, but they also safeguard your appearance by preventing the collapse of your facial features that can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.
With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly. If you do not control the buildup of food debris and plaque – the sticky film of bacteria formed from food acids – your teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment and resulting in possible loss of the bridge. Your dentist may also recommend using floss threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums.
If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10 years, or even longer.
If you have missing teeth and dental implants are not right for you at this time, dental bridges are an excellent treatment option to consider. At Park Ridge Dentistry we tailor your treatment to your specific oral health needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
First time visitor and had a very good experience. Dr. May is a very good doctor and was able to help me in a short amount of time.
I’ve been going to Dr. Barrett for almost 30 years, and he’s always made me feel at ease, to the point where I enjoy going to the dentist. Now Dr. Barrett is at the point in his career where heâ... Read More
I was looking to find a new dentist and I stumbled across Park Ridge Dentistry on a recommendation from a friend. I’m so glad I came! Dr. May is amazing. He is very personable, took his time and was... Read More
First time visitor and had a very good experience. Dr. May is a very good doctor and was able to help me in a short amount of time.
I’ve been going to Dr. Barrett for almost 30 years, and he’s always made me feel at ease, to the point where I enjoy going to the dentist. Now Dr. Barrett is at the point in his career where he’s decided to bring in a new dentist to allow himself to take more time off. I was a little hesitant in the idea of having a new dentist work on my teeth, but as it turns out Dr Barrett hired an excellent choice in dentist to help with the patient load. Dr. May did an excellent job with my recent visit. He made the entire experience as comfortable as I could expect. I highly recommend both Dr. Barrett and Dr. May.
I was looking to find a new dentist and I stumbled across Park Ridge Dentistry on a recommendation from a friend. I’m so glad I came! Dr. May is amazing. He is very personable, took his time and was helpful in answering my questions. All around everyone at the practice is very friendly and I highly recommend!!