Dental Bridges Duluth MN
Correcting Tooth Loss, Dental Bridge
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and in 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 they 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 by 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.
Feel Confident About Your Smile!
Prosthodontist Dr. Erickson can now correct a wide variety of so-called “permanent” cosmetic dental problems with today’s advanced techniques and prosthodontic materials.
Call us today to make an appointment at (218)722-8118
Make an AppointmentWhy 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. 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 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 Janice B
Excellent service
- Janice B
Patient Review By Kim T
This was my first experience of this type. I wouldn't hesitate to do this again if necessary, everyone here was GREAT!
- Kim T
Patient Review By Marcia S
Exceptional professional experience
- Marcia S
Patient Review By Victoria L
I have much praise for the quality of care I received at Dug Erickson's office. I would refer family and friends!
- Victoria L
Patient Review By Jeanie T
Dr Erickson and staff are all wonderful , it as a great experience with a lot of ups and downs for me, but we did it
- Jeanie T
Patient Review By Janice c
Very pleased.we're fortunate we have such expert care in Duluth.
- Janice c
Patient Review By Ricki B
Friendly staff.
- Ricki B
Patient Review By Nancy C
He is top of the line
- Nancy C
Patient Review By Helen H
Very happy and satisfied with the whole process from beginning to end. Always courteous and polite.
- Helen H
Patient Review By Gerry S
Very good
- Gerry S
Patient Review By Stephanie P
Wonderful service.
- Stephanie P
Patient Review By Lynn L
I have worked with Dr Erickson for many years and he and his staff have always been excellent.
- Lynn L
Patient Review By Signe L
Great staff!
- Signe L
Patient Review By Brian H
Very friendly and fast. I would highly recommend to everyone.
- Brian H
Patient Review
A great staff. Everyone is friendly,remembers my name and talks to me. If there is a problem the receptionist tries really hard to fit you in right away. Al in all I have been very pleased Dr Erickson always tells it like it is. If there is a problem he lets you know
- Anonymous
Patient Review By Roberta M
Pleasant experience for something I didn't want to go through
- Roberta M
Patient Review By Calvin F
Excellent experience so far
- Calvin F
Patient Review By Cheryl H
Cannot say enough about everyone here. Amazing skill and so pleasant!
- Cheryl H
Patient Review By James D
Great staff and service
- James D
Patient Review By Constance O
None
- Constance O