What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is a type of restoration used to replace missing teeth and fill the space(s) where a single tooth or multiple teeth are missing.
Some bridges are permanently attached, called fixed bridges, and some are removable, called removable partial dentures.
- Fixed bridges use adjacent natural teeth to anchor the bridge. The adjacent natural teeth are shaped and contoured and fitted with their own crowns and attach to the middle crown which will allow the gap area to now appear like a tooth. They offer superior strength and stability. In the appropriate circumstances, a fixed bridge can be a viable alternative to a dental implant.
Fixed bridge
- Removable partial dentures are held in place with flexible attachments to the adjacent natural teeth. Some advantages of removable partial dentures are the ability to take them out for cleaning, the ease of later dental adjustments if needed, and the ability to use natural teeth without having to make crowns on them to act as anchors.
Removable partial denture
Dr. Loukaitis will consult with you to discuss the most appropriate treatment for your individualized case.
Why you might need a bridge
Whenever one or more teeth are missing, a bridge will be needed to restore function and aesthetics.
- Accidents
- Teeth broken away or worn down
- Periodontal disease
- Age-related loss
- Poorly developed natural teeth with lots of spacing
Key benefits
- Restore normal oral function
- Improve appearance
- Prevent additional shifting caused by missing teeth
- Prevent bone loss caused by missing teeth
- Prevent the increased risk of gum disease that comes from missing teeth
- Prevent or repair speech disorders caused by missing teeth
Process
Dr. Loukaitis work to ensure a customized outcome for each patient and always schedule an initial consultation before beginning treatment.
Fitting a bridge is a three-visit process.
- At your first appointment, the adjacent natural teeth are prepared, shaped and contoured for crowns (for a fixed bridge), and a temporary bridge is fabricated so you leave the office with the prototype of what your permanent fixed bridge will look like.
- At your second appointment, an impression of your teeth will be taken and sent to the lab where the bridge will be constructed.
- On your final visit, the permanent bridge will be fitted and adjusted and then cemented in place.
For more information about bridges, or to make an appointment with Dr. Loukaitis , call our office at (202) 965-0333.
