Dental Bridges in Yardley, PA

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.

Dental Bridge Options

A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.

Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.

Why do I need a dental bridge?

Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.

Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.

Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.

Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.

How is a dental bridge attached?

The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Drs. Bhalala or Gadria will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.

Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.

Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.

What materials are used for dental bridges?

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.

How do I take care of my bridge?

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.

More Information

If you’re missing one or more teeth, then you may consider filling the gap with dental bridgework. This permanent tooth replacement option involves bonding one or two pieces of fabricated teeth known as pontics to the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap using crown abutments. By replacing a missing tooth, you can restore the full function of your mouth, including fluent speech, ample chewing surface, and an even smile.

The false tooth is designed to have a similar form (shape, size, and shade) to that of the missing natural tooth. The crowns attached to the pontic help to hold the replacement tooth firmly in the right place. These crowns can be attached to either the adjacent healthy, natural teeth, or by dental implants if the gap is caused by several missing teeth.

There are many advantages of choosing dental bridgework to fill gaps in your teeth, including:

• Restoring your ability to chew food properly
• Restoring your ability to speak properly
• Restoring the natural aesthetic look of your smile and mouth
• Preventing adjacent natural teeth from shifting and affecting your bite
• Maintaining the normal structure of your face

Am I a good candidate for dental bridgework?

Although dental bridges are common, they may not be the best treatment option for you. Your dentist may recommend dental bridges if you:

• Are missing one or more adult teeth
• Have strong and healthy teeth to support the bridgework
• Have good oral health
• Have good general health, with no severe infections, health conditions, and other health issues
• Have a good oral hygiene plan to ensure long-lasting results

With proper oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental visits for prophylactic care (dental exam and professional teeth cleaning), your dental bridgework should last for seven to ten years or even longer. Please consult your dentist to learn more about dental bridgework and your suitability for the procedure.