Bridges

Cosmetic dentistry is, as the name implies, a group of procedures designed to improve the look of your smile. As with all procedures, there are benefits and risks, and it is important to discuss each procedure, cost, and maintenance with our staff. You are responsible for consulting your insurance company regarding coverage of cosmetic procedures.

A dental bridge is used for patients who are missing teeth and have natural teeth on each side of the gap to support the bridge. Crowns are placed on the existing teeth as anchors for the false teeth in the bridge. While this is cosmetically important, bridges also prevent teeth from moving into the gap and affecting the ability to speak clearly or impair chewing.

Bridges generally necessitate at least two to three visits to the dental office. The first visit is for preparing the teeth on each side of the gap (the abutment teeth) for crowns, taking impressions for the permanent crowns, and providing a temporary bridge to protect the area until the permanent bridge is being fabricated by a dental lab. The temporary bridge will be removed during the second visit and the new, permanent bridge will be fitted and adjusted as necessary. The new bridge will be temporarily fitted so that it can be checked on a subsequent visit to ensure proper fit. Once it is determined that the bridge fits appropriately, it will be permanently cemented in place.