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 Elgin Dental Care we tailor your treatment to your specific oral health needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
When my dentist retired I was worried about finding a new one. I had my dentist for years and he knew me well. I have had TMJ surgery in the past and it’s not easy for me to get stuff done, even cleanings. However Dr Breen and his staff at Elgin Dental were GREAT! They were friendly and made me feel very welcome. Tammy was so caring about how I was doing while she cleaned my teeth. I needed to see a specialist as well and even then, the specialist needed some X-rays from Dr Breen and it was sent immediately. I was very pleased with everyone! They even explained all my costs after insurance. I highly recommend Dr Breen. It’s nice to know I found another great dentist after mine retired. Oh and Sheryl was so helpful and caring from the moment I walked in there.
I’ve had a cleaning, exam, crown and filling. Everything was done perfectly. I highly recommend Dr Breen and his staff.
My experience has been the best. The professionalism and friendliness is amazing. I got the results I was looking for and all my questions were answered. I recommend this place 10/10