BridgesFixed Porcelain Bridges
Losing even just one tooth has several significant effects. Tooth loss can be caused by several different issues, including facial trauma, severe tooth decay, bruxism, and more. No matter what causes your tooth loss, the event can lead to several significant complications. At Florida Prosthodontics, we can replace a missing tooth, restoring the functions and aesthetics of your mouth, with a fixed bridge. They're a more affordable solution to missing teeth than dental implants.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Missing teeth have several effects on your life:
• | Missing teeth leave gaps in your teeth, which can significantly affect the quality of your smile. It can also impact your confidence. |
• | Biting and chewing becomes more difficult. |
• | Your digestion suffers, as does your nutrition. |
• | It becomes more difficult to speak properly. |
• | Additional stress is placed on your healthy teeth, which can increase your risk of tooth damage. |
• | Your jawbone changes shape, which affects the alignment of your teeth. |
What Is a Fixed Bridge?
A bridge is a restoration that can be used to replace up to three consecutive missing teeth. There are a few different types of bridges, with a fixed bridge being the most commonly used type. A fixed bridge involves the use of a pontic tooth, or replacement tooth, set between two dental crowns. The crowns are used to anchor the bridge into place on your adjacent healthy teeth, referred to as the abutment teeth.
Placing Your Fixed Bridge
Typically, a bridge takes two appointments to place. However, thanks to CAD/CAM technology, we can create it in just one visit. Getting your crown requires the preparation of your abutment teeth. This is the process of trimming the teeth or removing a portion of the enamel from each one. This is crucial for ensuring a proper and comfortable fit.
Once the teeth have been prepared, we take a digital impression of your mouth. The impression displays in 3-D on our computer monitor. We can use specialized software and your impression to design a custom fit fixed bridge. Once we have finished the design phase, the information is to our in-house milling machine. We place a single block of ceramic into the machine, and your fixed bridge is brought to life. From there, we can stain and glaze the bridge, enabling it to fit in perfectly with the color of the rest of your natural teeth. Once the bridge is completed, we check it for fit, comfort, and bite. We can make any adjustments if needed. If no adjustments are needed, then the bridge is bonded into place over the abutment teeth.
The Benefits of a Fixed Bridge
Fixed bridges offer several different benefits:
• | Bridges are an affordable treatment for tooth replacement. |
• | The functions of eating and speaking are restored. |
• | When you can thoroughly chew your food, your digestion improves. This significantly improves your overall nutrition. |
• | Your oral health is improved. |
• | The appearance of your smile is restored, which can help to give you back your confidence. |
• | A bridge aids in holding your natural teeth in proper alignment, preventing shifting and other serious issues like bruxism and TMJ disorder. |
When you lose a tooth, even if it cannot be seen when you smile, it is crucial that you have it replaced as soon as possible. Call Florida Prosthodontics today at (321) 452-3388 to schedule your consultation.