BRIDGES
BRIDGING THE GAP TO A NEW SMILE

All thirty-two of your teeth work together to help you chew, speak, and smile.  If you have recently lost one or more teeth, you’re probably aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health.  Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced with a bridge or an implant (Refer to IMPLANTS, which we believe is a far superior mode of replacement of missing tooth / teeth).

WHAT EXACTLY IS A BRIDGE OR FIXED PARTIAL DENTURE?

          A bridge is a restoration, which replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. There are two types of replacements: fixed and removable. Fixed replacements or BRIDGES are cemented into place and can only be removed by a dental surgeon( Image 1 &2). On the other hand, you can take out a removable replacement - also called a PARTIAL DENTURE - for cleaning. Dentures while less expensive, may not be as desirable as fixed bridges and are not generally as stable.

Image 1: Teeth prepared for bridge placement	Image 2: Bridge replacing one tooth in place

WHY DO I NEED A REPLACEMENT FOR THE LOST TEETH?

          Your appearance, dental health and the proper functioning of your mouth are all important reasons for wearing a bridge. . A bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and help support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your face to look older.  More importantly, though, your dental health may suffer when teeth are not replaced.

                                             
 When a tooth is lost, the adjoining teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may move in the space. This places unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues in your mouth. In addition, the gum tissues and the bone that holds teeth in place can break down, increasing the risk of gum disease. Teeth that have tipped are difficult to clean, making them more likely to decay. As a result, even more teeth may be lost. Missing teeth can also affect the way you chew and speak. Chewing on only one side may cause stress to your mouth and the joint supporting your lower jaw.  You also need your teeth in order to speak properly, since they help you make many sounds needed in speech.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED?

         Appearance and function are considered when selecting materials for bridge. Ceramic or Porcelain fused to precious metal is the material preferred worldwide, because it is aesthetic, long lasting and well accepted by oral tissues. However, because of high cost ceramic with non-precious metal may also be considered as bridge material, even though it does not have all of the desired qualities as seen in ceramic fused to precious metal. Our Dental Care Centres also offers technologically advanced ceramic systems such as Inceram (Vita), Empress (Ivoclar) and Zercon (Dentsply), which eliminates the use of metal, yet gives the desired strength and beauty of ceramic.
 

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY BRIDGE?

          It is very important to keep your remaining teeth and bridge healthy.  Brush twice a day, and clean between the teeth with floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes as well as rubber, plastic or wooden devices ) . These measures help remove a sticky film of disease producing bacteria called plaque. A bridge can lose its support, if the teeth or the bone that holds it, becomes damaged by dental disease. Be especially careful to clean the areas under, around and between the bridge and your natural teeth. Dental floss, threaders and special brushes can help you reach these areas. It is also important to visit your Dental surgeon regularly. Remember, the ultimate success or failure of a fixed bridge depends on its foundation. Help keep your gums and remaining teeth healthy. YOUR DENTAL HEALTH AND YOUR APPEARANCE ARE WORTH THE EFFORT!