Dr. A. Tellez
Serving El Paso-Juarez-Las Cruces area for over 25 years.
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Bridges ... Restoring Your Smile
Bridging the GapA bridge is a way to replace one or more missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth makes it easier to chew. It can improve your appearance. It also helps keep your teeth, gums, and jaws healthy.
What Happens After Tooth Loss?
Spaces left by missing teeth affect the rest of your teeth. These gaps can cause chewing problems. If even one tooth is missing, other teeth may slowly shift out of place. This changes the way your teeth fit together (your bite). A poor bite may make your jaw sore. Your teeth may become harder to clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. And shifting of teeth following tooth loss may change your smile.
What Is a Fixed Bridge?
A fixed bridge is one or more replacement teeth attached to the natural teeth next to them. Once it’s in place, the bridge is not meant to be removed. A bridge can be made of metal, toothcolored porcelain, or a combination of the two. Your dentist will suggest the best material for your mouth. There are two main types of bridges: conventional and resin-bonded.
A conventional bridge has one or more replacement teeth attached to crowns. The crowns are cemented over the natural teeth on either side of the space to be filled.
A resin-bonded bridge has one or more replacement teeth attached to the back of nearby natural teeth using a metal or plastic strip and cement.
The Procedure
It will take two or more dental visits to prepare and fit your bridge.Preparing Your Teeth
For a conventional bridge, the teeth on either side of the space to be filled must be reshaped. These reshaped teeth hold crowns that support the bridge. Limited reshaping is also necessary with the resin-bonded bridge. For either bridge, impressions of your teeth are taken. These impressions are used to make your bridge. This process takes several weeks. During this time, you may have a temporary bridge to protect your reshaped teeth.
Fitting Your Bridge
When your new bridge is ready, your dentist places it on your teeth and adjusts it until it fits and feels right. The bridge is then cemented or bonded into place. If you have any problems over the next few days, call your dentist. He or she can advise you what to do or make any other adjustments that may be needed.
Caring for Your Bridge
Your bridge depends on the health of supporting teeth and gums. Always clean your bridge and the rest of your mouth carefully. Ask your dentist whether special cleaning aids for bridges would help you.
Brushing
Brush after each meal. Brush the surfaces and sides of your bridge like you do your natural teeth. Use an interdental brush to clean between large spaces.
Flossing
Floss at least once a day to clean food and bacteria from between teeth and at the gum line. Special thick floss can help keep your bridge clean. Floss threaders help you thread floss under a fixed bridge.
Dental Visits
See your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. These dental visits help keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Your dentist can also check to be sure there are no problems with your bridge. If you do notice a problem, especially if your bridge is loose, call your dentist right away. Never try to fix your bridge yourself.
Living with Your Bridge
Your new bridge can help make chewing comfortable again. It can also let you feel confident about your smile. Take the time to care for your teeth. Keep your mouth healthy and your teeth will stay looking and feeling good.
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