Bridge
A bridge is a fixed dental restoration. It is used to replace a missing tooth or several teeth. A dental bridge may be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite.
They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. Types of bridges may vary, depending upon how they are fabricated and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth. Conventionally, bridges are made using the indirect method of restoration.
The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. A bridge is fabricated by reducing the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth by a preparation pattern determined by the location of the teeth and by the material from which the bridge is fabricated. In other words, the abutment teeth are reduced in size to accommodate the material to be used to restore the size and shape of the original teeth in a correct alignment and contact with the opposing teeth. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
If you think you may be in need of a bridge or crown come see your local Fairhope Dentist!