Dental Bridge – Plymouth, MA

What Is a Dental Bridge?

There are several types of dental bridges. The most common type, a traditional bridge, is a three-part prosthetic. It has a crown on each end, which get placed over the teeth that are next to the empty space (the abutment teeth). The crowns support a pontic (an artificial tooth) that “bridges” the gap. In some cases, multiple pontics may be between the crowns.

We usually recommend all-porcelain bridges because they closely resemble natural teeth. However, it is also possible to construct bridges out of various metals, such as gold or silver.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

In order to place a dental bridge, we must first prepare the abutment teeth. This requires that we file them down so they fit well beneath their crowns. Then, we take impressions of those teeth, as well as of the surrounding teeth and the opposing teeth. We send those impressions, along with detailed notes about the desired color and construction of the bridge, to a dental laboratory. While the laboratory works to create the restoration, you will wear a temporary restoration to protect the abutment teeth. Once the bridge is ready, we cement it into place.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

A traditional dental bridge offers some significant benefits:

• The bridge process usually takes just two appointments.
• A bridge costs less than alternative tooth replacement solutions. Dental insurance usually covers at least a portion of the price of this treatment.
• You can expect your bridge to stand up well to normal eating and drinking.
• Your bridge may last for 10 years or longer.
• Prevent dental drift. When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth may drift out of place and cause dental misalignment. A bridge acts as a placeholder that keeps your teeth in their correct positions.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for Me?

If you have lost 1 – 3 teeth in a row, and the nearby teeth are strong enough to support a bridge, this treatment may work well for you. However, Dr. Aveni might suggest that you consider an implant-supported bridge (or implant-supported crown) instead. An implant-supported bridge does not require that the abutment teeth be filed down, and it provides more long term benefits than its traditional counterpart. After you learn about the pros and cons of each treatment option, you can make the decision that fits best with your unique circumstances.