Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a common and effective solution for filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. At Fairview Family Dental, our team of skilled professionals is committed to restoring both your smile and oral health. Missing teeth can lead to serious dental issues, such as shifting teeth, changes in bite alignment, and even discomfort. Fortunately, a dental bridge can resolve these problems by using the teeth adjacent to the gap as anchors to support a false tooth, known as a pontic.
Types of Dental Bridges
Our Southside Indianapolis dentists offer three main types of dental bridges, each designed to address specific dental needs:
1. Traditional Fixed Bridge
This is the most common type of dental bridge. It involves placing porcelain crowns over the two teeth surrounding the gap. These crowns act as anchors to hold the pontic securely in place. Traditional bridges are often made from durable materials like porcelain fused to metal or ceramics, ensuring a natural appearance and long-lasting results.
2. Cantilever Bridge
If there are teeth on only one side of the gap, a cantilever bridge is an excellent option. This type of bridge is typically used in areas of the mouth that do not experience significant chewing pressure, such as the front teeth.
3. Resin-Bonded Bridge
Also called a Maryland bridge, this option is ideal for replacing missing front teeth. It involves attaching metal or porcelain wings to the back of the adjacent teeth with resin. This method minimizes preparation while securely holding a plastic or porcelain pontic in place.
The Procedure for Dental Bridges
Our Southside Indianapolis dentists follow a meticulous process to ensure your dental bridge fits comfortably and functions effectively. The procedure typically requires at least two visits to complete.
First Visit: Preparation
1. Tooth Preparation: The surrounding teeth are carefully prepared to accommodate the crowns. This may involve reshaping or filing them to ensure a proper fit.
2. Impression: An impression of your teeth is taken to create a custom bridge. This mold is sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication.
3. Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your smile while the permanent bridge is being made.
Second Visit: Placement and Adjustment
1. Bridge Fitting: Once the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is fitted.
2. Adjustment: Our dentists check the fit, ensuring that the bridge aligns with your bite and feels comfortable. Additional visits may be needed for fine-tuning.
At Fairview Family Dental, we are proud to provide personalized care and advanced dental solutions. Our Southside Indianapolis dentists are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with dental bridges tailored to your needs. If you’re dealing with missing teeth, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your confidence and oral health.
