All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn't necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, at our Houston, Texas office, you'll find different options for correcting tooth loss, including implants, bridges and removable partial dentures.

Options
A dental bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth that attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either removable or permanently attached (fixed bridges).

Removable bridges are attached to the teeth by precision attachments or with metal clasps. Fixed bridges are applied by either bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth or by placing dental crowns on the abutment teeth.

When you are missing teeth you quicky become aware of their importance to both your dental health and appearance. From eating to speaking, your teeth work together for many daily functions, and missing teeth make it difficult to accomplish these things. That is why it is of the utmost importance to have missing teeth replaced. Fixed bridges offer an ideal solution for restoring your dental health and appearance.

What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge is a device that fills the gap where teeth are missing. Fixed dental bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges can be taken out and cleaned. However, fixed bridges offer more stability than removable bridges.

Why do I need a bridge?
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. A number of potentially harmful disorders can be caused by placing stress on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing.

The increased risk of gum disease is one of the worst side effects of missing teeth. By simply installing a bridge the risk can be minimized.

Appearance and oral functionality are also important reasons for wearing a bridge. For example, the loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older. A dental bridge will help support your lips and cheeks.

Another important reason for getting a bridge would be to prevent speech disorders that missing teeth can cause. Teeth are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.

How is a dental bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment our doctors will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.

Since the dental bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.

Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. A dental crown is cemented onto the natural teeth to provide support for the bridge.

What materials are used?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.

How do I take care of my dental bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.

At Midtown Dentistry, one of our areas of expertise is the dental crown and bridge procedure. We offer the utmost in professional care for all of our patients at our Houston, Texas office. When you are looking for a Houston dentist with years of experience in oral health maintenance and restoration visit Midtown Dentistry for meticulous care. We use advanced procedures that ensure the absolute best results. We are the Houston dentists to trust when you need your next dental bridge and crown.