Bridges

Bridges

A bridge is a false prosthetic tooth or set of false prosthetic teeth that have crowns attached at either end. It is quite literally a structural scaffold that is fit to your mouth. The false prosthetic tooth replaces a permanent tooth that is no longer there (whether it be by accident or because of purposeful removal) which is set in between the already existing crowns. Because this false prosthetic tooth connects the gap that was left behind by the missing tooth, it is called a bridge—inspired by the architectural structure that connects two land masses.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

Dental bridges can be necessary to prevent teeth from shifting, correct bite problems, or protect the integrity of surrounding teeth. They can also be a permanent addition to your mouth or you can opt for it to be removable. Should you choose a permanent placement of your dental bridge, your Gentle Smiles of Colorado dentist will adhere it to your mouth using a particularly strong glue paste that will keep the bridge securely fastened to your gumline. Should you opt for a dental bridge that is removable, you dentist will actually attach it to the neighboring teeth (the crowns) of the gap using special clips. Remember, bridges are instruments that are used to restore your smile and aide your oral health. Dental bridges are used to restore or replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Whether it be for cosmetic reasons or health reasons we can provide a variety of bridges to suit different situations:

  • Fixed Bridges: These are composed of a filler tooth between two crowns, which hold the bridge in place.
  • Maryland Bridges: These generally replace missing front teeth, and use tooth-colored metal bands, bonded to surrounding teeth, to hold the bridge in place.
  • Cantilever Bridges: This is similar to a fixed bridge, but instead of the bridge being between the two crows, it's on the end, so the crowns are on the same side of the bridge. These are commonly used to replace end molars.

How Does The Procedure Work?

Receiving a dental bridge is very similar to the process of receiving a dental crown. Similarly to the dental crown, the procedure for dental bridgework takes two appointments. The groundwork is accomplished on your first appointment for your future dental bridge:

  • We numb the area where the bridge will be placed, particularly the gap where the permanent tooth used to be and the neighboring teeth.
  • We resculpt the tooth, helping create a perfect fit for the bridge.
  • We'll make an impression of the gap and the surrounding crowns, either physical or digital, then use it to manufacture your own customized tooth mold that will be made with the two supporting crowns at the end of it.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding offers a fast, easy, and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile. The procedure involves applying a thin layer of tooth-colored dental resin to the front of your teeth, then carefully shaping it to match the appearance of your natural teeth. Bonding is similar to veneers in effect, but many patients prefer it because it allows us to keep your natural teeth almost entirely unchanged. Here are just a few of the other advantages of composite bonding:

  • Fast: Bonding takes just one visit to our dental office.
  • Safe: Composite bonding requires very little resurfacing of the tooth, allowing you to keep your natural teeth.
  • Cost-Effective: Composite bonding is an affordable way to revitalize the appearance of your smile.
  • Natural: We can customize your bonding to match your natural teeth.

The second appointment will take place after your customized dental bridge has been manufactured. Once ready, we'll bring you back in to place your dental bridge into your mouth where it will be adjusted for a comfortable fit.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Expert Dentists!

When you're ready to contact us to make an appointment with our wonderful doctors, our staff will be ready to receive your call and book your consultation. Our practices are available for your convenience in Denver, Golden, and Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Don't wait until you're in a lot of discomfort—call your expert Golden, CO dentists today!