Dental Bridges A quick, long-term way to replace missing teeth. What is it used for? The function of a bridge is to replace missing teeth. It also prevents nearby teeth from tipping or drifting into the empty space. A bridge helps to improve chewing function by distributing the forces involved in chewing to more teeth. Support of the adjacent teeth can be improved the same way a crown does since a bridge is essentially two crowns with a false tooth attached in between. The Problem: Missing tooth or teeth Possible bite and jaw joint problems from teeth tilting and shifting to fill the space The "sunken face" look associated with tooth loss Impaired esthetics, chewing ability and speech Need for a more permanent solution than dentures The Solution: A  dental bridge is a fixed appliance that is usually attached to two teeth on each side of the space where a tooth has been lost. An artificial tooth attached in the middle of the bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. The teeth on either side of the gap are shaped for crowns and an extremely accurate impression or mold is made of the prepared area. This mold is used to create a tooth colored or gold bridge by a master ceramist After the impression, temporary crowns or a temporary bridge is made of acrylic and temporarily cemented at that first appointment. The permanent bridge is then fabricated and returned to our office approximately one to two weeks later. At the next appointment, the permanent bridge is cemented with an extremely strong adhesive. The bridge is attached to the prepared surface of the teeth, effectively creating the appearance of a "new" tooth. In some instances, a resin-bonded bridge may be used. In this case, the two teeth on each side of the gap are not prepared for crowns. Instead, the bridge consists of a false tooth with tooth colored brackets on the back of each side of the gap. The brackets are attached to the backs of the real teeth on each side. Advantages: Unlike dentures, a fixed bridge is never removed. It is stable in the mouth and works very similar to natural teeth. By filling the gap and stopping the movement of other teeth, a fixed bridge is an excellent investment, providing better chewing ability, heading off jaw joint problems and saving money that might otherwise be spent on future dental treatment. In most cases, the treatment requires only 2 visits. Disadvantages: Fixed bridges do not prevent bone loss in the area of the missing tooth. They are highly durable, but they will eventually need to be re-cemented or replaced due to normal wear. Alternatives: A dental bridge or an implant? One way a missing tooth can also be replaced is with a dental implant. The advantages of an implant are: The teeth on either side of the space do not have to be reduced for crowns. Maintenance. An implant is easier to clean and can be brushed and flossed normally. With a bridge, the only way to floss between the teeth is with a  “floss threader”. With a bridge, if you have decay on one of the teeth or any other problems with any one of the involved teeth, the entire restoration most likely needs to be replaced. With an implant, all the teeth are independent of each other and can be treated and maintained separately. How long does it last? We expect a bridge to last over 15 years. However, its longevity depends on the original condition of the teeth and gums,  possible clenching or grinding, and last but not least,  simple home care. Specific recommendations for the care of your bridge will be discussed with you.