Enhancing Smiles with Dental Bridges in Orlando, FL: Procedure, Benefits, and Maintenance

A dental bridge is a restoration that fills in the gap left by missing teeth. Its purpose is to improve the aesthetics of your smile and bolster its oral function.

Fixed dental bridges Orlando FL consist of two crowned abutment teeth and a fake tooth known as a pontic. They are typically made of porcelain and look quite natural.

Preparation

Dental bridges are important to correct both the cosmetic appearance and oral function of a person with missing teeth. They are also essential to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap which can cause bite problems and other health issues.

The preparation process for a fixed dental bridge involves recontouring the abutment teeth (the anchoring natural teeth), making impressions, and fabricating the bridge, pontic, and crowns. The dentist may also fit a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth while the permanent restoration is being prepared in the laboratory.

Traditional fixed bridges consist of porcelain crowns that cover the abutment teeth and a false tooth called a pontic in between. The pontic is often made of ceramics or porcelain fused to metal. In some cases, a dental implant can be used to support the bridge which allows for superior results and increased longevity of the restoration. Once the bridge is fabricated, it can be tried in and assessed for comfort, function, and aesthetic approval.

Treatment

A bridge fills a gap left by missing teeth and restores natural function. It consists of a dental crown for the healthy teeth on either side of the gap (anchor teeth), and a false tooth or teeth known as pontic. The crowns and the pontic are bonded to one another using resin cement, which is color matched to your surrounding teeth.

Our dentists take many things into account when determining which type of dental bridge to use. They look at the number of missing teeth, the size and length of the anchor teeth, and any previous dental work done to those teeth (i.e. crowns, large fillings). They avoid drilling down healthy teeth as much as possible.

A traditional fixed bridge requires two to three appointments to completely attach the bridge. The first appointment involves preparing the anchor teeth on both sides of the gap by removing a portion of their enamel and dentin. Impressions will be taken to ensure the bridge fits perfectly and is fabricated correctly.

Placement

Once you have a dental bridge placed, you will be able to enjoy eating and speaking with ease again. You can also avoid the complications that may occur when teeth are missing, including misalignment and increased stress on the other healthy teeth in the mouth.

During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of enamel and dentin to make room for the crowns. An impression will then be taken of the prepared teeth and sent to a laboratory where a custom dental bridge will be fabricated. A temporary bridge will be placed to protect the abutments and gum area while waiting for the permanent dental bridge to be ready.

During your next office visit, the dentist will cement the dental bridge in place using dental cement. The dentist will check the bridge to ensure it is comfortable and secure, then make any adjustments needed for optimal functionality.

Maintenance

Missing teeth can cause a variety of problems, from impacting your appearance and self-confidence to making it difficult for you to chew and speak. Replacing the missing tooth or teeth with a dental bridge can help restore normal eating patterns, prevent shifting of healthy adjacent teeth and keep your jaw structure in place.

Dental bridges are more stable than removable partial dentures and do not slip or shift in the mouth, allowing you to enjoy your food without concern. Dental bridges also distribute the stress of biting evenly across your remaining natural teeth, helping to protect your surrounding healthy ones from excessive wear and damage.

Our dentists can provide several types of dental bridges orlando fl, including traditional, cantilever, resin bonded and porcelain fused to metal. They will assess your situation during your consultation and exam and recommend the best type of bridge to suit your needs. Keeping up with your routine dental exams and twice-annual dental cleanings will ensure that your bridge stays secure and in good condition.