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.
Smile Without Hesitation
Feel Good About Your Smile Again!
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 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 Chad B
Friendly, quick and painless
- Chad B
Patient Review By Jill l. Christie C
Awesome
- Jill l. Christie C
Patient Review By Margaret V
This was life-changing. I had a great experience and enjoyed getting to know the staff.
- Margaret V
Patient Review By M W
Incredible, professional,friendly staff. I Love them all
- M W
Patient Review By Kay lee D
Was very pleased with thing
- Kay lee D
Patient Review By Marvin H
Wonderful service and care
- Marvin H
Patient Review By Steve B
Very simply the best in every respect! Prompt, professional,with great attention to detail and patient comfort backed by a terrific staff. You could not ask for more.
- Steve B
Patient Review By Chrislin F
Very friendly staff. Always happy and very helpful.
- Chrislin F
Patient Review By Terry M
Outstanding
- Terry M
Patient Review By Elfriede G
Excellent
- Elfriede G
Patient Review By Sarah W
No complaints
- Sarah W
Patient Review By Frances Y
Have had a wonderful experience and all the staff is great.
- Frances Y
Patient Review By Patricia tthorssen
- Patricia tthorssen
Patient Review By Diana G
Have recommended to several friends.
- Diana G
Patient Review By Larry L
The service was very good and the dentist is very up to date.
- Larry L
Patient Review By Jerry L
Everyone is excellent and although it took some time and extra expence I would not want to think fo what else would have worked so well.
- Jerry L
Patient Review By Bernadette B
Dr. Erickson and staff were all wonderful every time I visited.
- Bernadette B
Patient Review By Marie S
This is a great place and the staff is wonderful.
- Marie S
Patient Review By Patricia B
Professional, friendly and efficient. Second implant. Hope to not need and additional services, but would definitely come back.
- Patricia B
Patient Review By Peter O
None
- Peter O