Dental Bridges

A bridge is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth. The sides of a bridge use the two adjacent teeth for support. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or aesthetics.

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a chain reaction that will change your bite. Teeth use their neighbors for support; therefore, when one is missing, they start to have more functional problems. This can eventually result in problems with bone support of the teeth and jaw joint problems (TMJ).