Dental Bridges Uptown Charlotte NC
Dental Bridge Option
Teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but fortunately, there are replacement options if it happens.
A dental bridge -or a fixed partial denture- is a traditional and cost effective option to replace one or more teeth.
What Exactly is a Dental Bridge or Fixed Partial Denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are cemented into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, are placed on the teeth surrounding the space, and an artificial tooth is suspended in between.
Why do I need a dental bridge?
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. When some are missing, unusual stresses are placed on the gums and surrounding teeth, 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.
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for replacing missing teeth. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your cheeks to sink in, making your face look older.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a dental bridge made?
Bridges typically take two appointments to complete. At the first appointment Drs. Kalons, Glidewell, Grewal, Gray or Welborne will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap (the “abutment teeth”) by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin to make room for the thickness of the bridge.
A 3D digital scan of the teeth is taken and sent to lab where the bridge will be fabricated. While the lab makes the bridge, the area is protected with a temporary bridge.
After the bridge has been made, the temporary bridge is then removed at a second visit. Sometimes adjustments are needed, but once perfected, the bridge is cemented into the mouth.
What materials are used for dental bridges?
Bridges can be constructed from various materials, but we choose to use a very beautiful yet strong zirconia porcelain.
How do I take care of my bridge?
A 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. Special floss is needed to floss under the pontic portion of the bridge.