Bridges                                                                        For an appointment call 301-424-2030

Bridging the Gap
A bridge is a way to replace one or more missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth makes it easier to chew. It can improve your appearance. It also helps keep your teeth, gums, and jaws healthy.

What Happens After Tooth Loss?
Spaces left by missing teeth affect the rest of your teeth. These gaps can cause chewing problems. If even one tooth is missing, other teeth may slowly shift out of place. This changes the way your teeth fit together (your bite). A poor bite may make your jaw sore. Your teeth may become harder to clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. And shifting of teeth following tooth loss may change your smile.

What Is a Fixed Bridge?
A fixed bridge is one or more replacement teeth attached to the natural teeth next to them. Once it's in place, the bridge is not meant to be removed. A bridge can be made of metal, tooth-colored porcelain, or a combination of the two. One of our doctors will suggest the best material for your mouth.

The Procedure
It will take two dental visits to prepare and fit your bridge.

Preparing You Teeth
For a conventional bridge, the teeth on either side of the space to be filled must be reshaped. These reshaped teeth hold crowns that support the bridge. Limited reshaping is also necessary with the resin-bonded bridge. For either bridge, impressions of your teeth are taken. These impressions are used to make your bridge. This process takes several weeks. During this time, you may have a temporary bridge to protect your reshaped teeth.

Fitting Your Bridge
When your new bridge is ready, your dentist places it on your teeth and adjusts it until it fits and feels right. The bridge is then cemented or bonded into place. If you have any problems over the next few days, call your dentist. He can advise you what to do or make any other adjustments that may be needed.