Complete Fixed Bridges
Houston, TX
 Tooth loss is a major issue. Even losing just one or two teeth can have a serious impact on your life. However, many people tend to ignore a missing tooth, especially when it is in a place that cannot be seen when they smile. Ignoring tooth loss can have major consequences. It suddenly becomes more difficult to eat. Food can get stuck in the empty space, which can cause discomfort as well as increase your risk for developing tooth decay or gum disease. A missing tooth can impact your speech, causing a lisp. Depending upon the location, your smile may be affected, which can affect your confidence. Your adjacent teeth may begin to shift out of their natural alignment, which can lead to a variety of other issues. At Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, we can restore your missing tooth with a bridge.
What is a Bridge?
A bridge is a dental restoration that is used to replace up to three consecutive missing teeth in a given area of your mouth. There are a few different types of bridges, the most common one being a fixed bridge. Fixed bridges are typically made out of ceramic, although they can be made out of porcelain fused to metal, or even just metal. Ceramic provides optimal aesthetic benefits, mimicking the properties of your natural enamel and providing a seamless restoration. The bridge is a single unit, consisting of Pontic teeth, which are designed to replace the missing teeth, and two dental crowns, one on each side of the Pontic teeth. The crowns are there to anchor the bridge in place by sitting over the adjacent healthy teeth.
Why Should I Get a Bridge?
A bridge offers several benefits, including such things as:
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Restoring the essential functions of your mouth, such as eating and speaking.
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Ceramic bridges restore the appearance of your smile, and your confidence.
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Helping to improve your oral, and overall, health.
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Keeping your natural teeth in proper alignment, preventing them from shifting out of place. |
How is a Bridge Placed?
A bridge generally takes two visits to complete. At your first visit, we start with a thorough examination of your mouth. We assess the condition of your natural teeth, making sure that the teeth adjacent to the empty space will be suitable for supporting the restoration. If we determine that a bridge is indeed the best solution for you, we will go ahead with the preparation of your teeth.
The procedure for placing a bridge is fairly similar to placing a crown. We need to remove a portion of the enamel from each adjacent tooth, which ensures that the bridge will fit comfortably and naturally into place. This preparation is done under a local anesthetic. Next, we take an impression of your mouth, which is sent off to a lab. There, the bridge is designed and created based on the parameters of your mouth. It can take up to two weeks for the bridge to be completed and sent back, so a temporary bridge is placed in the meantime. When your bridge is ready, we check it for proper fit and, if everything looks and feels good, we cement the bridge into place.
With a bridge, the functions of your mouth, your smile, and your confidence are restored. Call Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS today at (346) 250-2930 for more information and to schedule your consultation.
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