Bridges
replace teeth with a dental bridge in Hackettstown, New Jersey

A bridge is simply a dental device that fills the gap where a missing tooth once resided. It helps put into place a new prosthetic tooth to mix alongside with your natural teeth. A bridge operates with support on either end in most cases. The process of making the bridge fit firmly and snugly inside the mouth involves shaping the current teeth and also fitting them with crowns so they can securely attach to the bridge prosthetic. If you are in need of a dental bridge, trust our dental practice.

Why a Bridge?

If you have damaged teeth due to injury, chipped, or even missing teeth, you may want to consider a bridge procedure. If you are experiencing missing teeth and gaps, then you eventually need something to fill those areas to avoid having your teeth move around or affect your bite. Should your bite alter or your teeth move, you could potentially develop issues and pain in the jaw or develop gum disease.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges Include: 

  • Give you a healthy and full smile
  • Prevent future tooth decay or damage
  • Maintain a healthy bite
  • Allow you to eat and speak comfortably
  • Allow you to fix teeth after a sudden injury or trauma

How are they Made?

Your dentist will customize your appliance to match and fit your current teeth. The intention is to make the piece natural looking as well as operational and comfortable. To match the color of the enamel on your regular teeth, your dental provider will use porcelain or composite resin.

Your Options

You can have a permanent or removable option. Many factors will be considered and discussed between you and your dentist to figure out which model is best for your teeth, health, age, and situation. Whether you choose a permanent or non-permanent device, they can still be made to look natural and mimic your real teeth.

Permanent or Fixed Option

In a permanent or fixed option, you have a replacement tooth or teeth that fit into the missing space in between your natural teeth. Crowns will then go over the remaining teeth in between the bridge area creating a supported foundation and a permanent “bridge”. Fixed bridges last many years and can even, in some cases, last up to 20 years.

Removable Option

In a removable option, your device will work in a similar way as far as placement, function, and purpose but they are, in fact, removable. They simply snap on and attach to the natural teeth with fasteners or clasps. In most cases, this option is suggested if your surrounding teeth are in questionable condition and may need surgery in the future. It also works well if you are missing a lot of teeth.

Care and Maintenancefixed dental bridge hackettstown

It’s important to take good care of your new appliance. A removable option is much easier to keep clean with regular and routine flossing and brushing of the device with appropriate cleansers. However, you must be very careful with this device as it is fragile, and you don’t want to chip or damage your appliance in any way. Your dentist can suggest the right cleansing solution for your piece.

A permanent device is maintained with a special brush or flossing device but can’t be removed for separate cleaning. Dental jet machines and floss threaders are used to remove food and keep the device healthy and maintained.

Am I Right for this Procedure?

You would need to meet and consult with our dentists through several appointments in order to first be sure that you are a candidate for this procedure. If you are a good candidate for a dental bridge, we will then make and create a bridge for your mouth that fits properly. The process works as follows:

  • Your dentist will shape and prepare the surrounding, supporting natural teeth that will be used as anchors on either side of the gap area.
  • An impression will be taken of your bite to create and mold a bridge that matches your teeth and oral structures.
  • An interim prosthetic and crowns will be put into place until the final permanent appliance is completed.
  • You will then have an appointment for your final fitting to make sure that it attaches right, fits and everything is shaped properly.

Make sure to let your dentist know if your bridge is causing any pain, headaches, jaw issues, bite or eating troubles so they can reassess your current fit and appliance.

Getting a bridge is a wonderful dental procedure to maintain your dental health and keep your healthy smile intact. You can also explore dentures or other cosmetic options as a way to keep your full smile.

Call our friendly staff today to learn more about your dental choices.