A fixed bridge is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth, to improve a person’s chewing ability and to provide a more permanent solution than a removable partial denture. A bridge is a single appliance that is attached to 2 teeth on either side of the space where a tooth is missing. It is permanently cemented into place and thereby cannot be removed once it is in place. An artificial tooth is attached in the middle of the bridge and fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. The anchor teeth, or teeth on either side of the space, are prepped in the same way you prep a tooth for a crown. An impression of this area is made and sent to the dental laboratory to fabricate your permanent porcelain or gold bridge. While the lab is making your bridge, you will wear a temporary bridge to protect the prepped teeth and fill in the space where the missing tooth is. It usually takes the lab 2 to 3 weeks to fabricate your permanent bridge. Once it is returned from the lab, we will remove your temporary bridge and check the permanent bridge’s fit in your mouth, checking the bite, touch to the teeth in front and behind the bridge and color of the bridge. The bridge will then be permanently cemented into your mouth.
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There are many advantages to a fixed bridge. First of all, it is never removed. It is stable in the mouth and works very similar to natural teeth. The bridge in essence, fills in the space and stops the movement of other teeth. It is an excellent investment in that it provides better chewing ability for the patient, helps to prevent jaw joint problems and saves money that would otherwise be sent on future dental treatment.
There are very few disadvantages to a fixed bridge. They are highly durable, but eventually they may need to be re-cemented if they become loose or replaced due to normal wear and tear. An alternative to the fixed bridge would be either a dental implant or a removable partial denture. |
