Dental Bridges Mississauga
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made, fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge typically consists of one or more artificial teeth supported by crowns placed on the natural teeth next to the gap. The bridge is permanently secured in the mouth and is designed to restore the appearance and function of your smile while helping maintain the position of the surrounding teeth.
Purposes of Dental Bridges
- Replacing one or more missing teeth
- Helping prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the space left by a missing tooth
- Restoring the appearance of your smile
- Improving chewing and overall dental function
- Supporting a comprehensive restorative dental treatment plan
How Is a Dental Bridge Prepared?
When preparing a traditional dental bridge, the teeth next to the missing tooth or teeth, known as abutment teeth, are prepared to support the restoration. Our dentist will take impressions or digital scans of the prepared teeth and surrounding area so the dental laboratory can create a custom bridge. A temporary bridge may be placed while your permanent restoration is being fabricated to protect the prepared teeth and maintain the space.
At the following appointment, the permanent bridge is carefully fitted and checked for proper fit, comfort, appearance, and bite. Once the dentist is satisfied with the fit, the bridge is permanently cemented into place.
Do You Really Need to Replace a Missing Tooth?
If you have a missing tooth, replacing it may help restore your ability to chew and maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth. When a tooth is missing, nearby teeth can gradually shift into the open space, while the opposing tooth may also move. These changes can affect your bite and make certain areas more difficult to clean.
Leaving a missing tooth untreated may contribute to oral health and functional concerns, including:
- Increased difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene around the affected area
- Changes in the alignment and position of surrounding teeth
- Uneven distribution of chewing forces and tooth wear
- Changes to your bite and the appearance of your smile
