Dental Bridges
Precision-crafted dental bridges fill the gap with a natural looking artificial tooth.
Precision-crafted dental bridges fill the gap with a natural looking artificial tooth.
Book Nowor Call718.461.0100
For patients with a missing tooth or teeth, porcelain dental bridges offer a potentially ideal solution. A precision-crafted dental bridge fills the gap where teeth are missing with a natural-looking artificial tooth or teeth. Dr. Knop and Dr. Gelfand have finely honed aesthetic sensibilities that enable them to customize replacement teeth to the specific needs of individual patients. This ensures porcelain restorations that perfectly complement the size, shape, color, and texture of surrounding natural teeth. Furthermore, because our dental bridges are composed of only the finest, most resilient materials, they are extremely durable, giving our patients the ability to eat, talk, and smile with renewed ease and confidence.
There are several types of dental bridges, all of which serve the same basic purpose. Traditional fixed dental bridges consist of an artificial tooth or teeth supported by two porcelain crowns, one for each natural tooth on either side of the gap. When these crowns are attached to the natural teeth, the artificial tooth or teeth then span the gap between, unobtrusively restoring the patient’s smile.
If natural teeth remain on only one side of a gap, our dentists may use a Cantilever bridge. With this type of bridge, the two supporting dental crowns are located on the same side of the replacement tooth. A third type of bridge, the “Maryland” composite bond bridge, is attached by means of a metal band that is discreetly bonded to the back surfaces of the surrounding natural teeth. This type of bridge is typically used to replace missing front teeth.
Although the traditional fixed bridges should last many years with proper maintenance, bridges can also be supported by dental implants to ensure the most secure, life-like restoration possible.
Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits, there are numerous practical advantages to replacing missing teeth with dental bridges. By filling the gap between natural teeth, dental bridges can help prevent these teeth from drifting out of alignment. In addition, because they are fixed into place, they cannot slip or be removed by hand. As a result, they offer a stable, long-term solution to problems that might otherwise develop with chewing and speaking.
It is important to replace any missing tooth, except for wisdom teeth. Most people wish to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to restore their smile, but losing teeth can negatively affect dental health.When a tooth is missing, it affects the stability of the jawbone that used to surround the tooth root. Teeth adjacent to the gap can drift out of place, affecting your bite and creating unsightly gaps between your existing teeth. Also, biting and chewing food places considerable stress on your teeth. If some teeth are missing, the stress is greater and could wear or even fracture the remaining teeth.
We provide several types of dental bridges, and your choice will depend on your specific situation.
A traditional bridge is supported by one natural tooth on either side of the gap called abutment teeth. Our dentist shapes these teeth for dental crowns. We connect the crowns to the replacement teeth, called pontics. These pontics look like real teeth, filling the gap, and restoring your smile and ability to eat.
Sometimes, abutment teeth are only available on one side of the bridge. A cantilever bridge uses abutment teeth on just this one side. It is only suitable in specific situations because it does place these abutment teeth under greater strain. Usually, a cantilever bridge replaces anterior or front teeth not used for chewing.
A Maryland bridge has ‘wings made from metal, composite or zirconia and which are bonded to the inner surfaces of the abutment teeth, so they are virtually hidden from view. The wings are attached to the pontic. We can use a Maryland bridge to restore front teeth only as it cannot withstand strong biting or chewing forces.
A dental bridge is traditionally supported by natural teeth but can be supported by dental implants. An implant bridge is a good solution when adjacent teeth are missing or lack the strength to support a bridge.
Materials used to create dental bridges include porcelain fused to metal restorations, all-ceramic and zirconia bridges.
A porcelain fused to metal bridge has a thin metal substructure covered with porcelain. Traditionally, most bridges were fabricated this way as the results look good and are durable. However, a porcelain fused to metal bridge is not quite as aesthetically pleasing as a metal-free restoration. The metal can create an opaque effect as light cannot pass through the bridge.
An all-ceramic bridge made from a material like e.max provides a stunningly lifelike restoration that is highly suitable for restoring front teeth where aesthetics are critically important. The materials used for these bridges replicate real teeth very closely, and because they are entirely made from porcelain, light can pass through unobstructed. All-ceramic bridges are ideal for front teeth and are typically used to create three-unit or three teeth bridges. They can be less suitable for larger bridges.
Modern zirconia bridges also look extremely lifelike and are extremely strong. These bridges are suitable for anywhere in the mouth, including for people with bruxism. A zirconia bridge can restore multiple missing teeth. Full-arch zirconia bridges can restore an entire set of upper or lower teeth using dental implants for support.
The general dental procedure for a dental bridge supported by natural teeth is very similar to the process needed to fit a dental crown. You will usually need two visits to Gentle Dental.
Your dental bridge should last ten years or more. The correct dental care will help to extend its lifespan, and our dental team will show you how to clean around it thoroughly and will suggest the best tools to use. Regularly cleaning your bridge is essential to prevent infection. Regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments are equally important. We can assess the condition of your bridge to ensure it is still protecting the teeth underneath.
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the materials chosen and the number of teeth restored. Zirconia or all-ceramic bridges are costlier compared with a porcelain fused to metal bridge, but these are the most advanced materials available today. Also, zirconia and all-ceramic bridges are precision made, using techniques that help to provide a better marginal fit around the prepared teeth.
We can discuss all solutions with you and will provide a detailed treatment plan, showing the cost of every suitable option. Regardless of which you select, we will ensure you receive a precisely engineered appliance that provides you with optimal functionality and appearance.
Book Nowor Call718.461.0100