Dental Bridge Great Falls MT

A dental bridge can be an excellent way to replace missing teeth, restore function, and improve your look. A bridge combines two dental crowns with a false tooth between. This design bridges the gap and fills in the missing tooth.This will make chewing foods easier, and improve your smile. With a variety of types of bridges, in various materials and fits, Dr. David Currie can find the right type for you.

Understanding Dental Bridges

The dental bridge is a prosthetic appliance that is used to bridge the gap between two healthy teeth or implants. The bridge will restore functionality and aesthetics. Crowns are quite often used to reinforce these teeth so that they can stand up to the additional bite forces they will be subjected to. Dental bridges can be found made from metals, ceramics, or some type of combination of both.

Dental Bridge for Oral Health

Besides function and aesthetics, there are health reasons to replace a missing tooth. When a patient has a missing tooth, there are some problems that can happen, some immediate and some with time.

The most immediate reaction following the loss of a tooth is the loss of bone. Our teeth exercise our jawbone, keeping them robust. When a tooth is no longer present, the bone responds with atrophy or sorption, and the results are fast. A patient may not see a visible difference with one missing tooth, but if you lose two or more teeth, the changes in your facial structure will become apparent. We see the results on those around us all the time, we have come to think of it as the facial shape of older people, in actuality, it is a loss of teeth, which is common in older people.

With time, patients can experience the shifting and movement of neighboring teeth. Our teeth keep our other teeth in position. When space is available, teeth can shift. This is different from an orthodontist removing teeth; they do that to move teeth in a controlled way. Teeth that shift because space is available, move in an uncontrolled way, and the effects can be severe.

As the bone alters, the tissue alters, and the teeth shift, your bite becomes adjusted, and often in a harmful way. A bad bite, known as malocclusion, can cause jaw problems, chewing problems, and greatly change your look.

Jaw problems are known as TMJ dysfunction. This means that the jaw bone is out of alignment and the patient can experience some effects because of it. This can include jaw soreness or discomfort, the inability to open or close your jaw correctly, and some patients report facial pain including in their ear, their brow and migraines.

Structural Styles of Dental Bridges

The most common structural style for a dental bridge is known as a traditional bridge. This system uses two dental crowns that are placed on two healthy teeth with a false tooth between.

There are other structural styles available, including

Besides styles, bridges come in a variety of materials including porcelain, porcelain over metal, ceramic and acrylic. Each has positive value, and we can discuss which would be best for you based on the bridges location and any sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long does a Dental Bridge Last?

The durability and longevity of a dental bridge is influenced by factors such as oral hygiene, biting habits, and the type of material utilized. Typically, they can endure anywhere from five to 15 years, and with diligent care, your dental bridge may last even longer. Consistent dental examinations and adherence to good oral hygiene routines are crucial for extending the longevity of a dental bridge.

Are Dental Bridges Permanent?

Some dental bridges are permanent and some are removable. Fixed bridges and implant supported bridges are permanent fixtures. Removal bridges can be removed by the patient for brushing.

What is a Fixed Bridge?

The most common type of dental bridge is a fixed bridge. A fixed dental bridge is a type of dental restoration used to replace missing teeth by permanently attaching artificial teeth, called pontics, to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Unlike removable bridges, fixed bridges are cemented in place and cannot be removed by the patient. They provide a stable and long-lasting solution for restoring the appearance and function of missing teeth.

Anterior bridges, though not as common, can be placed on your front teeth. These bridges are commonly employed to restore the aesthetic appearance of the smile, improve speech, and maintain proper alignment of the remaining teeth. Anterior bridges can effectively replace missing incisors, canines, or premolars in the front portion of the dental arch.

What is an Implant Supported Bridge?

In the event that there are no healthy teeth to support the bridge, an implant supported bridge may be used. The dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. A key benefit to the dental implant is that it will not put extra strain on surrounding teeth. There will need to be sufficient bone for the implant to bond with. A bone graft may otherwise be the recommended next step.

Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

Individuals who have missing teeth, but have healthy teeth on either side of the gap, are in need of a dental bridge. The adjacent teeth should be strong and healthy, free of decay, and able to support the dental bridge in place.

Candidates for dental bridges should be observant of the need to thoroughly brush their teeth as well as the dental bridge, to prevent plaque and bacteria from building up.