Dental Bridges Duluth MN
- Correcting Tooth Loss, Dental Bridge
- Dental Bridge Options
- What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
- Why do I need a bridge?
- How is a bridge attached?
- What materials are used?
- How do I take care of my bridge?
Correcting Tooth Loss, Dental Bridge
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss does not necessarily have to occur as you age. But if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges) or can be removable (removable bridge).
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it is difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
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Why do I need a bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders because they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Esguerra or Dr. Erickson will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure the correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either a precious or non-precious metal.
How do I take care of my bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Dental Implant & Reconstructive Center
Patient Review By Ann S
Our experience at Dental Implant and Reconstructive Center was great! During an especially challenging dental situation for my son, Dr. Esguerra and her team were not only compassionate and understanding to the stress of our situation, but did an amazing job of communicating with us throughout the whole process. They always worked with us to find appointments that fit our schedule and worked hard to make sure that my son and I were happy with the results of each procedure. I would highly recommend Dr. Esguerra and her team. Thanks for giving my son his smile back!
- Ann S
Patient Review By Janine o
I was extremely satisfied with the service that I received from everyone at your office and will recommend you to anyone that needs dental care.
- Janine o
Patient Review By mary jo M
Our son is 34 years old. He needed a implant bridge in the front top. We are so pleased with Dr Esguerra. She was so kind and patient with our son. Her staff was so wonderful , friendly and helpful with Sean . He ended up having a beautiful smile. Thank you so much Dr Esguerra.
- mary jo M
Patient Review By Cheng-Khee C
Dr. Roxanna Esguerra is among the best professionals I have met in my life. During the entire processes of my dental work, she was courteous, thoughtful, integral, cautious, professional and perfectionistic. In my opinion, she has set up the high professional standards for others to follow. In addition, I admire and appreciate Dr. Esguerra’s dental and clerical assistants. They worked hard with dedication, enthusiasm and efficiency as a harmonious team to provide patients the best service! Overall, I have received the best dental work. My teeth look great, my bites are perfect and I can enjoy all my favorite foods. All these have changed my life! On the last day of my visit when my procedure was completed, I felt that I belong to the Dental Implant & Reconstructive Center family, and reluctant to leave!
- Cheng-Khee C
Patient Review By Lyle W
Dr. Esquerra is the very best. Dr. Esquerra is professional, kind ,and trustworthy. I have often said that the work her office has done for me is simply miraculous. Everyday I that I eat I give thanks for the great work that was done so I can eat every meal without pain. I will never forget the wonderful change in my life when I took my first bite with my new dentures. I know, that if I have any problems I will be given an appointment and the problem will be address perfectly. Thank you Dr. Esquerra and your kind and professional staff. I am proud to spread the good news about the quality of your work. Thank you again for your skills and kindness.
- Lyle W
Patient Review By Nan H
Outstanding personalized and professional care!
- Nan H
Patient Review By Robert C
Overly satisfied with the whole project. Done very proffesionally, amazing group.
- Robert C
Patient Review By Emily S
I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Esguerra and her staff. I had despaired of finding someone who could craft a bite plate/night guard to help ease my jaw and tooth pain, but Dr. Esguerra is an absolute god-send. Not only do I have the most fabulous and comfortable device, I've now gained access to excellent care. I could not be any happier with my experience.
- Emily S
Patient Review By Julie W
Dr E was so precise and accurate. She gave me my smile back. The office staff and medical assistant are so professional. I highly recommend this team.
- Julie W
Patient Review By Izzy N
Very satisfied with service. Doctor and staff were very welcoming and pleasant. As a young patient with a disability I was treated with respect and caring. They went above and beyond to help me.
- Izzy N
Patient Review By Cindy F
Appreciated the meticulous attention to every detail. I'm very pleased with the results.
- Cindy F
Patient Review By Susannah F
This was by far the best dental experience I've ever had! Anyone would be thrilled with the results here. My smile is awesome now!,
- Susannah F
Patient Review By Darell B
So far so good. Hopefully everything will hold well. Very satisfied
- Darell B
Patient Review By Patti B
Very very satisfied
- Patti B
Patient Review By Bev L
I feel pretty happy. I am going to have my son come here now instead of waiting until the end of the road. I wish I would have had a better understanding of the timeframes for my treatment. It took one year.
- Bev L
Patient Review By Christopher H
Great courteous people
- Christopher H
Patient Review By Lyle W
I lived in constant pain eating until I met the folks at the Dental Implant & Reconstructive Center in Duluth MN. Following a horrific accident and having my face shattered and a jaw broken I had pain and difficulty eating every meal. Because of their professional staff's ability to preform miracles I now have a great smile and the ability to eat and taste food pain free. I refer to them as miracle workers and they have proven it to me. I definitely refer Dental Implant &* Reconstructive because they have proved to me to be the very best.
- Lyle W
Patient Review By Chris T
Very happy with the results, all procedures quick and pain free
- Chris T
Patient Review By Ed C
This is a highly efficient office across the board. Everything was discussed in great detail throughout the entire process. One does not feel rushed. And there is a very healthy interplay of levity and seriousness to lessen the stress. This is how dental (and medical) practice should be conducted.
- Ed C
Patient Review By Diane P
Everyone is great and you feel like family. Love my new teeth
- Diane P