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Porcelain Fixed Bridges
Dental bridges are an excellent, fixed (non-removable) method to replace a patient's missing teeth. Patients consult with our dentists to determine the best type of bridge for them.
The most popular type of dental bridge is the "traditional bridge", as it resembles natural teeth and can be effectively incorporated into your smile. Made of porcelain that is fused to metal, this structure is secured with two crowns that cover anchoring teeth on each side of the gap. These crowns are attached to pontics, or artificial teeth, that fill in the missing tooth's spot and literally bridge the gap. While they may need to be replaced or re-affixed due to normal wear, fixed bridges are an effective way to restore your smile to its original beauty. Both cosmetic and functional, they can:
- bridge gaps due to missing teeth
- keep teeth from shifting position
- replace a removable partial denture
- maintain your jaw's structure and shape
- aid in speaking and chewing
During the patient's first of two visits, the teeth are numbed and the anchoring (or abutment) teeth are prepared for the crowns; an impression is taken, later used in the fabrication of the custom-made bridge. The patient wears a temporary bridge for a few weeks until the permanent one is installed.
The permanent bridge is carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented for a proper fit in the patient's second visit. In some cases, we may cement the bridge temporarily at first, to ensure that the patient's teeth and tissue are able to become accustomed to the new bridge. It will then be cemented permanently a bit later.
As always, dental office in Milton provides patients with care instructions following the procedure; good brushing and flossing habits along with routine dental visits are always encouraged to prolong the life of the new fixed bridge. If you have any further questions about fixed bridges, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our dentistry practice is located in Milton, easily accessible from the South Shore (convenient to Milton, Braintree, Holbrook, Quincy, Avon, and Stoughton). |
