Dental Bridge Procedures in Windsor, WI
Replace Your Missing Teeth
Your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining the proper alignment of other teeth. Replacing teeth as you lose them is necessary to maintain the function and health of your mouth. One way Drs. Endicott, DeMatthew, and Zhao combat tooth loss for patients through affordable dental bridge procedures in Windsor, WI.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis or appliance used for tooth restoration, particularly for missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth, known as pontics, held in place by dental crowns or implants. These artificial teeth are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, or a form of alloy. Dental bridges can be either fixed, where they are permanently attached to adjacent teeth or implants, or removable for easier cleaning.
Most bridges are composed of three units where an artificial tooth is connected on each end to crowns. To hold the bridge in place, the crowns are placed over neighboring teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
| Dental Bridge Type | Description | Availability |
|---|
| Traditional Dental Bridge |
The most common type of dental bridge, where a false tooth (pontic) is held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth. |
Fixed (F) |
| Cantilever Dental Bridge |
Type of dental bridge where the pontic is supported by a dental crown on only one side of the gap. |
Fixed (F) |
| Maryland Bonded Bridge |
Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, this bridge type uses a pontic held in place by metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. |
Fixed (F), Removable (R) |
| Implant-Supported Bridge |
This type involves placing dental implants into the jawbone to support the pontic, providing a secure and stable restoration. |
Fixed (F) |
| Composite Dental Bridge |
A bridge type that replaces lost teeth by using the teeth on each side of the gap. Composite bridges are low-risk, relatively affordable, and need little alteration for installation. |
Fixed (F) |
| 3-Unit Bridge |
A dental bridge type that replaces one missing tooth by connecting the pontic with two dental crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth. |
Fixed (F) |
Why Do I Need a Bridge?
Dental bridges are a good choice if you want to improve your mouth’s functionality and appearance after losing a permanent tooth. Missing teeth place unusual stress on the gums and other oral tissues, potentially causing a number of disorders like gum disease. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks, preventing your mouth from sinking.
Am I a Candidate for Bridges?
Determining your candidacy for dental bridges is best done through a consultation with your dentist. Individuals with one or more missing teeth, good oral health, and healthy adjacent teeth are generally good candidates for bridges. Factors like gum health, bone density, and overall oral hygiene habits are also considered.
The Dental Bridge Procedure Process
The bridge attachment procedure takes two appointments to complete. During your appointments, your dentist will:
- Prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of enamel and dentin.
- Take impressions of your teeth to ensure your bridge is fabricated precisely to your bite.
- Cement the fixed bridge to the natural teeth to replace the lost tooth.
Advantages of Bridges
- Restored functionality and aesthetics
- Improved speech capability
- Maintained tooth alignment and bite
- Preservation of facial structure
- long-lasting solution
- Non-removable option
- Cost-effective
- Fast treatment time
