Cosmetic Dentistry - Fixed Bridge
WHAT IS A FIXED BRIDGE?
A fixed bridge is a dental appliance that is cemented to teeth (or to dental implants) and serves to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges can be made of all metal, all porcelain, or a combination of both metal and porcelain. There are many different types of fixed dental bridges which include maryland, conventional, and cantilever designs. Typically, bridges require shaping of the teeth adjacent. This shaping allows the replacement of the missing tooth through a connection to these "prepared" adjacient teeth. Historically a bridge procedure is a two appointment process. During the first appointment the dentist shapes or prepares the adjacent teeth to create the attachments, then makes a molded impression of the teeth to send to a dental laboratory, and fabricates a temporary bridge which is worn for a 2 week period while the permanent bridge is made. Generally a bridge is made in a dental laboratory by technicians who design the bridge to meet the specific needs of the patient as instructed by the dentist. Each patient is unique and this uniqueness requires customization of many variables including size, color, shape, position, etc. During the second appointment the dentist will customize the fit and esthetics of the bridge followed by permanently cementing the crown-like attachments over the adjacent teeth to complete your smile.