Steven R. Pohlhaus, DDS
Minimally Invasive Laser Dentistry
Dr. Steven R. Pohlhaus Laser Dentistry on Facebook
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Steven R. Pohlhaus, DDS Minimally Invasive Laser Dentistry
Dr. Steven R. Pohlhaus Laser Dentistry on Facebook
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Why A Bridge Is Needed There are many reasons a bridge should be made. The most obvious is esthetic, especially if front teeth are missing. However there are many functional reasons that are just as important. A missing tooth can set up a "domino effect" which can cause long term problems for all your teeth. With time the teeth will drift into the missing space, changing your bite. The teeth on the opposite jaw can also erupt into the missing space, called supereruption. Over many years this change in bite can lead to collapse of your bite, periodontal disease, jaw problems, etc.
It is unpredictable how many of these problems each individual will develop. It depends on how many teeth are missing, individual adaptability, and many other factors. It is simply important for you to realize the possible consequences of both treatment and no treatment. The decision to have a bridge made is yours once you have gathered all the pertinent information. Making The Bridge A bridge will take three or more appointments. How long it takes depends on the size and complexity of the bridge. It is important to remember that each step is necessary to assure a final fit that is comfortable, esthetic, and long lasting. Each appointment is an important quality control step. The first step is to prepare the teeth that will be used for the bridge in a similar manner to a crown (often called "cap"). The teeth are slightly reduced in size and shaped to optimally hold the bridge. At this time a plastic, tooth colored temporary is made that will be similar to the final bridge, though not as durable. It is cemented with a temporary cement. The temporary keeps the teeth comfortable and keeps the teeth from drifting. Be careful not to eat hard or sticky foods with the temporary, for this may knock it loose. If your temporary does come out it is important to have it recemented by us within a few days to keep the teeth from drifting.
Once the teeth have been prepared adequately, an impression is made. A very accurate model is made from this impression on which the lab will make the bridge. Bridges are usually made of porcelain with a metal substructure. The porcelain gives it esthetics and durability and the metal underneath allows for strength and a good fit. Sometimes we try in the metal substructure to be sure it fits before the lab bonds the porcelain to the bridge. Once the bridge is done it is sometimes cemented temporarily for a few weeks to allow you to adjust to it and make sure there are no problems. If all goes well it is later cemented with the more durable cement. Caring For Your Bridge It is not possible to predict how long a bridge will last. Some insurance companies will pay for a new bridge after five years. However with proper care it should last you much longer than that. It is very important to remember that once your bridge is done you must take care of it. It needs proper maintenance in order to last as long as possible. The teeth supporting the bridge are still susceptible to decay, particularly at the margin where the tooth and bridge meet. These teeth can also develop gum problems if you do not clean them daily. We will show you how to brush and floss properly around your bridge to keep it healthy. You also must keep coming in for your regular recall. At each recall we will check your bridge for problems so they can be addressed as soon as possible. The sooner any problem can be addressed the less expensive and time consuming it will be for you. |
704 D Nursery Road Linthicum, Maryland 21090 410-789-4999 Last modified: February 12, 2010 |
