Dental Bridges
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, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a dental bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why do I need a dental bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they 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 Dr. Irving will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the 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. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used for dental bridges?
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 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.
Keri Irving DMD
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Dr. Irving and her staff are very friendly and efficient! The atmosphere in the office was very cozy due to a fire place on and scented candle burning. I especially liked the lavender and lemon scented spa towels given to freshen up at the very end of my prophylaxis. All of these little things add up to a loving and caring environment and make me want to go back. The office also takes into consideration patients who do not have dental insurance and provides a discount plan of their very own which makes it very affordable to keep up with your dental care. I would highly recommend this office to all.
- Charlene G
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As a child, my husband had a very bad experience with a dentist. Because of this, he never went to the dentist. Over time, his dental health declined to the point in which he had to have all this top teeth extracted and will now have to wear dentures. Needless to say, my husband was a nervous wreck when the day came to have all his teeth pulled! I cannot express enough how wonderful Dr. Irving was with him throughout this horrible time he was going through!! She coached him through everything she was doing and explained everything along the way. She is very professional and has a wonderful sense of humor! She made him feel at ease. Her staff is fabulous too! All of them are very considerate and so nice!! They helped us with all the insurance coverage and out of pocket numbers. They truly make you feel like family there and provide you with such world class care!! I highly recommend Dr. Irving and her staff!! They are a rare bunch these days!!! We were lucky to find them!
- Nicole C
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My family are a third generation of patients that have used this practice. The same staff has been there for over 20 years and treats all of us as family. Very professional and care giving staff.
- E M
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I've been coming to this office for over 20 years! I've NEVER felt uncomfortable. My daughter would sit on my lap when she was one year old and insisted on getting her 2 teeth checked! She will be 24 years old and still comes to this office. Dr's. Levitt and Irving are great. I feel comfortable under their care. My hygienist is like my bff. We catch up on life in every visit! The office is comfy and cozy! The receptionists are awesome and assist in anything you need. The office is located in a convenient spot and are always accommodating with appointment times! I've gotten my teeth whitened with trays and I'm super excited with my beautiful bright smile! I could go on and on about this dentist office and it's wonderful staff! Thank you for a great smile!
- Elaine R
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Great staff. Very friendly
- Art T
Our Latest Testimonial
I have been a patient of Dr Levitt's for many years. Every visit is like returning to see family. Dr Levitt and her employees always make patients feel comfortable and stress- free, while at the same time, doing an exceptional job whether you are getting a cleaning, a filling or any type of procedure done. I recently met Dr Irving, and in just 1 visit, can see how she will fit right into this wonderful group of health care professionals. While most people dread the thought of going to the Dentist, Dr Levitt and Associates always seem to make it a pleasurable experience. After meeting Dr Irving, I can honestly say that I would feel as comfortable with her, as I have been with Dr Levitt. I believe she will be a great asset to the practice.
- Diane J
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Best all around! Very friendly and helpful staff.
- Donna M