A dental bridge is an appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth. It bridges the space between two teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented onto teeth on either side of the space. Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth by you. If you are missing any teeth and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you may be a good candidate for a bridge. If left unfilled, this space can cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position and can cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, leading to further tooth loss. Fixed bridges not only correct an altered bite, improve your chewing ability and speech, but they also safeguard your appearance by preventing the collapse of your facial features that can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.
With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly. If you do not control the buildup of food debris and plaque – the sticky film of bacteria formed from food acids – your teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment and resulting in possible loss of the bridge. Your dentist may also recommend using floss threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums.
If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10 years, or even longer.
If you have missing teeth and dental implants are not right for you at this time, dental bridges are an excellent treatment option to consider. At Doerner Dental we tailor your treatment to your specific oral health needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
All the staff I've interacted with have been exceptional—friendly, informative, and patient! Having had several root canals in my lifetime, my experience with Dr. Doerner stands out as the best! I was seen on time, experienced no pain, and appreciated the periodic updates during the procedure, which helped set my expectations.
They are really good. Love the higienist, very thorough and can definitely feel the positive effects emidiately. Thanks alot.
My wife and I have been a patient of Dr. Tim Doerner for 20 plus years. Once he retired approximately a year and a half ago his son Aaron took over his practice. We have been very pleased with the care that we have received from Dr. Aaron and his assistant Mary. The receptionists also have been very receptive to our needs. We recommend Dr. Aaron and his staff.