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 Mint Dentistry we tailor your treatment to your specific oral health needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
Dr LaTour and staff are wonderful!!
Fantastic office and even better people. The staff is friendly and treats you more than just a patient. They take an interest in you as a person which is cool unless you are the patient after me since I talk to everyone in the office. They practice a holistic approach to dentistry which is unique in my experience. If you are looking for a new practice, I highly recommend them.
An amazing office. Everything from the staff at the front desk, to my hygienist Laura, and the Dentist. I was so nervous coming into a new office, after a bad experience elsewhere. They made me feel comfortable and welcome. I highly recommend this office