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, Drs. Esguerra or 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 David H
Wonderful. Best Dentist ever
- David H
Patient Review By Peggy R
Julie's kindness and compassion when I first made my appointment and when I had my consultation was one of the main reasons I went ahead with my bonding procedure.Dr. Esguerra is so professional, thorough and so very skilled. She even called me the evening prior to my procedure to make sure I didn't have any concerns. I feel like a new person now and can smile proudly. Thank you so very much!
- Peggy R
Patient Review By Donna P
The staff was very professional and I am 100% pleased!
- Donna P
Patient Review By Maurice B
Great experience from beginning to end.
- Maurice B
Patient Review By Elizabeth B
I've lived all over the United States and have frequent flyer miles in many dentist chairs. I've received the highest quality of care, compassion and professionalism from the staff and Dr. Erickson. They make me feel like family.
- Elizabeth B
Patient Review By Bruce G
Start to finish I had a positive experience with all of you!
- Bruce G
Patient Review
Overall very satisfied with the office, Doctor Erickson, and the work performed. I had two dental implants with the restorative work done by Dr Erickson. Looks great and works as they are supposed to. Staff very friendly. Recommend this office to anybody needing this type of dental work done. .
- Anonymous
Patient Review By Susan L
I am confident that all the dental work has been to the highest standard....very reassuring experience.
- Susan L
Patient Review By Janine O
I am very happy with my dental implant and will recommend Dr Erickson and his staff to anyone that needs dental work done.
- Janine O
Patient Review By Nicole L
The staff here are very friendly and welcoming. I love my gold crown!!!
- Nicole L
Patient Review By Jack H
I can't say enough good things about my experience here. Dr.Doug and his staff made me feel relaxed and comfortable from the start. I'm so thrilled with my results, it's so nice to smile proudly again! Lauren, Julie, Anya, Jess, Jordan and Nancy are the best! I highly recommend for anyone considering implants or dentures. Thanks again everyone for my incredible experience with you all
- Jack H
Patient Review By Charlie B
Mine was a unique process. It was close to four years of work. The outcome far exceeded my very high expectations. The whole office was a breeze to work with, and were super helpful all along the way. The final product looks amazing, and I can't feel anything but normal teeth. The only disappointment is I can't show off my teeth, Covid and masks.
- Charlie B
Patient Review By Sandra O
Overall, I am very pleased with my results. It is nice to smile again. The staff was exceptional, I highly recommend Dr Erickson and his staff.
- Sandra O
Patient Review By Stacy D
Excellent care. Very happy with results!!
- Stacy D
Patient Review By Richleigh J
Over alll experience was and has been great
- Richleigh J
Patient Review By Marcia S
My experience has been better than expected!
- Marcia S
Patient Review By Monica V
My experience with Dr. Erickson and his staff was over- the- top wonderful! He is personable,friendly and extremely competent. He was willing to work within my financial constraints and still provide me with a partial that fits well AND looks good. During my first appointment I was impressed with the clean office and all the safety precautions he has in place. This was only increased post Covid-19. I would definitely recommended him to my family and friends.
- Monica V
Patient Review By Sonia W
Very happy with service and results.
- Sonia W
Patient Review By Maureen P
Dr. Erickson's office is the most efficient,most courteous and pleasant office at which I have been seen and had work done. I really enjoyed my visits to this office. Dr. Erickson is so kind, so nice and so very efficient at what he does and his staff is absolutely great. I was treated just like one of their family members. I would recommend them to everyone. Thank you so very much, Dr. Erickson and your wonderful staff.
- Maureen P
Patient Review By Christine L
Wonderful experience!
- Christine L