San Antonio dentist, Dentist in San Antonio, TX

Bridges:

A fixed bridge is an option for replacing one or more missing teeth. It requires a healthy anchor tooth called an abutment at each end of the space created by the missing tooth (teeth). Replacing missing teeth is necessary in order to maintain the proper alignment of the other teeth in your mouth. This can affect chewing and speaking as well as the alignment of the upper and lower jaws.

Types of Bridges

Dental fixed bridges are one of three basic types.

1. Tooth colored porcelain covering a metal substructure is the most common type of bridge because it combines two desirable properties. The metal, which does not show, provides rigidity and strength while the porcelain provides a more natural appearance.

2. Ceramic or All Porcelain bridges are the most natural in appearance but are usually limited to front teeth because they often lack sufficient strength to function under the strong biting forces of back teeth.

3. All Gold Metal bridges provide the greatest strength and are used primarily when a patient has an abnormally strong bite and says that strength is more important than natural appearance.

Note: Special types of bridges may utilze copings or precision attachments in the more complicated restorative cases.

Procedure
The procedure begins with the tooth preparation. Any old filling and/or decay is always removed from each abutment tooth and a new bonded build-up is completed to maximize the strength of the tooth. The tooth is then properly shaped to insure an ideal fit for the new bridge. An exact impression of the teeth is taken so that a dental laboratory can fabricate a new, precisely fitting bridge. An interim bridge is placed on the teeth for a period of 2-3 weeks while the permanent bridge is being crafted.

During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. This bridge will be fitted comfortably into the mouth and we will make every effort to ensure that the new bridge feels like your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to bond the bridge to the abutment teeth leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.