Dental Bridges

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

If you’re worried about a missing tooth or multiple teeth, dental bridges are a great option. As a non-invasive, typically affordable dental appliance, dental bridges are some of our favorite recommendations to make!

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthesis, consisting of a fixed and non-removable dental appliance.

There are several types of dental bridges, in a variety of materials. The most common type of bridge is usually made of porcelain that is fused to metal. This is the most popular type of bridge because they can be made to resemble your own natural teeth and tooth coloring.

We install two crowns on the teeth surrounding the area that needs a bridge. These two teeth will be the anchor points for your new appliance, which will “bridge” the gap between.

When choosing a material for your dental bridge, we’ll go over all of your options, making sure we help to recommend the best material for your particular situation.

Who should choose a fixed bridge?

Dental bridges can be used in a variety of different situations, including:

• To fill the space of one or multiple missing teeth.
• To maintain or help restructure your facial shape due to missing teeth.
• Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.
• Fix any chewing issues.
• Fix any speech issues due to missing teeth.
• Restore your smile and your confidence.

What is the process for getting a dental bridge?

While your teeth are numb, a dentist will prepare the two anchoring teeth by removing enough enamel to fit a dental crown. Next, an accurate impression, or mold will be taken of your current teeth. We’ll send this to a dental laboratory, which is where your bridge will be fabricated. We will help you with a temporary bridge until your permanent one is ready at your next appointment.

When your new dental bridge is ready, we’ll have you come back into the office. We’ll carefully check the bite and fit, make any adjustments and making sure it’s comfortable. We’ll then cement your new bridge onto the two crowns for a proper fit and bite.

Dental bridges are highly durable and should last many years. We’ll check on your bridge during every regular dental checkup, to make sure it’s still functioning properly, and to see if it needs to be re-cemented or replaced. If you’re interested in what a dental bridge can do for you, contact Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry today!