Crowns repair or restore single problem teeth.  What if you have a few teeth that all need attention, or  a missing tooth you would like to replace?  A fixed bridge is a good option.

Porcelain Fixed Bridges

Bridges are natural in appearance, and usually require only two visits to your dentist. If you maintain good oral hygiene, your fixed bridge should last as many as ten years or more.

If you have missing teeth and have good oral hygiene practices, you should discuss this procedure with your dentist. If spaces are left unfilled, they may cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position.  Also, spaces from missing teeth can cause your other teeth and your gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

Traditional bridges, also called fixed bridges, where the dentist creates a pontic ( a false tooth) with a dental crown on either side. The crowns are fitted over the remaining teeth to hold the false tooth in place.

Resin bonded bridges mean that the pontic tooth is fused to a metal band. The metal band is bonded to the back of the remaining teeth with white resin cement.

To design a bridge, a dentist must first shrink, then reshape the teeth to make room for the crowns.  A mold is made of the teeth.  This mold is then sent off to a laboratory, where the actual crowns and bridge are made.   You return to the dentist about 7-10 days after your first preparatory visit to have the bridge inserted!

Reasons for fixed bridges

• Fill space of missing teeth, and improve chewing function
• Maintain facial shape or cosmetically enhance your smile
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position and causing occlusion problems
• Restore speaking ability
• Upgrade from a poor fitting, loose or frustrating removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.

As mentioned above, dental crowns are similar to fixed bridges but are used for a single problem tooth.  Crowns are also placed on top of dental implants.  Dental implants are the ideal method for single tooth replacement or to secure poor fitting dentures. Questions about treatment options? Call us: 905-697-9799