Menu
Hiding your smile because of missing, broken or chipped teeth is something we at Icy Dental want to put a stop to. We offer long lasting, esthetically pleasing porcelain crowns and bridges to improve your smile. Icy Dental was built with our patients in mind. We combine cutting-edge dental technology with a team that truly cares about you, a relaxing environment, and amenities that delight. We are committed to providing you with oral health care to give your teeth optimal form and function over a lifetime. Enjoy a personalized appointment with our team in East Lansing. Dr. Boyd Yu is committed to helping you keep your teeth in optimal form and function over a lifetime. Restore your smile with Dental Bridges at Icy Dental, East Lansing, MI. Regain functionality and aesthetics. Call today or book an appointment online.
What is a bridge?
In an area where there are one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can fill the gap with one or more artificial teeth (false teeth). Dental bridges are also known as fixed partial dentures (FPD). A bridge is made of crowns seated on supporting teeth (abutments) on either side of the missing tooth with a false tooth (pontic) fused to the crowns on the supporting teeth to replace what is missing. Dental bridges can help in cases where a tooth is missing or has been removed due to severe tooth decay, gum disease, or traumatic injury. Dental bridges can also replace teeth that are missing as a result of congenital condition.
When should a bridge be placed?
When a tooth is missing, it is best to have it replaced as soon as possible. Teeth tend to move into empty spaces. Given enough time, there may not be enough space remaining between teeth to make a restoration that looks normal. Teeth adjacent to the empty space want to close the space while teeth on the opposite side of the jaw want to move up or down into the empty space. Allowing teeth to be missing for an extended period of time can cause permanent changes to your bite. The more time that passes, the more difficult it becomes to reverse these changes.
What is the process of getting a bridge? What are they made of?
Having a bridge made is very similar to the procedure of making a single crown. On the first visit, the adjacent teeth are prepared for crowns. An impression is taken of your teeth and this is sent to the lab. A temporary is made and cemented on after this first visit while the bridge is being made by the lab. Bridges can be made from gold, porcelain fused to metal, or purely from porcelain, which gives the best aesthetic result. When you return for the second visit, the temporary is removed and the preparations are cleaned. The bridge is then tried on so that you can see what it looks like before it is cemented on permanently.
What do I have to do differently at home?
After the bridge is placed, you need to make sure that you take good care of it. Having a bridge means that you need to be even more careful of taking care of your teeth at home. Brushing and flossing are integral to maintaining the health of the bridge to ensure that it lasts a lifetime. Since the bridge is fused together, your flossing regimen will change as you will have to employ the use of a floss threader to be able to clean underneath the fused bridge. Just as you floss to get rid of bacteria and food debris for your other teeth, you will have to do the same to maintain the bridge.
Is a bridge my only option?
Dental bridges are just one option when it comes to replacing a missing tooth or missing teeth. Dental implants and partials may be a better choice depending on your situation. Please consult with your dentist at Icy Dental to see if a bridge is the right choice for you.
Reclaim your confident smile with Dental Bridges at Icy Dental! Serving Greater Lansing including East Lansing, Lansing, Okemos, Meridian Charter Township, Bath Township, Holt, and beyond. Contact us for more details or schedule your appointment today!