Learning How Dental Bridges Are Made
Today we're going to illustrate how a permanent fixed bridge is done at our office. Everything at Jorge A. Alvarez DDS is done in house, meaning that this bridge is milled. We have the technology to do that. We do digital scanning, we do the designing, and then we mill the bridge here in the office. You leave the same day with the bridge on!
How Teeth Are Prepped for Dental Crown Placement
This model is going to show us that this tooth here is missing. What we've done is we've taken the adjacent teeth and we've prepped them, as you can see. These teeth that are prepared are now ready to be scanned or have an impression taken.
How has the impression process changed?
We used to take impressions that would go into the mouth, filling it up. They were very mushy and uncomfortable. We don't do that anymore. Now we do digital scanning. These two preps right here will be scanned so we can design and mill a bridge.
Why would I need a dental crown and what does a dental crown do?
Bridges can help prevent the loss of bone density caused by missing teeth. In the first year after a tooth is lost, up to 25% of bone volume can be reabsorbed back into the body. After one year, bone loss will progress. If you have ever noticed the sunken-in appearance of someone who has lost many or all of their teeth, sagging facial muscles create that appearance in response to the bone loss.
Bone density is maintained by the pressure of chewing on the jawbone by teeth. Using a bridge over gaps helps recreate that pressure to preserve the jawbone.
If you are missing one tooth or several, one cost-effective solution is a dental bridge (sometimes referred to as a partial denture). A bridge closes the gaps in your smile.
Bridges are very durable and are sculpted to look like natural teeth. A bridge gets its name because it “bridges” the gaps in the top or bottom arch of the mouth when only some teeth are missing.
A pink-colored or gum-colored base is formed to hold the replacement teeth, usually with a metal framework, and the remaining teeth are used to hold the bridge in place. The bridge is attached to the abutting teeth for stability. Caring for a bridge is easy, requiring just routine brushing.
Are there different types of dental bridges?
Four types of bridges are available:
- Traditional
- Implant-supported
- Cantilever
- Maryland
Dr. Alvarez can explain the different options to you and help you decide which one is best for your situation.
Schedule A Dental Crown Consultation at Jorge A. Alvarez DDS
At Jorge A. Alvarez DDS, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (561) 783-7783 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.