Bridges

Teeth may be lost due to decay, an injury or certain diseases. If you have lost a tooth or several teeth, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. When you lose a tooth, the biting forces change on the neighboring teeth, which can cause them to shift. As teeth shift, your bite also changes, making it harder to chew, to clean your teeth, and even to speak. Eventually, you can experience tooth decay, gum disease and even bone loss. You may even lose additional teeth.

Better Image Dentistry offers a variety of tooth replacement options at our Bridgewater, NJ office. Depending on your particular situation, a bridge may be the best option to replace your missing teeth and restore your smile and bite.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap between your remaining teeth with one or more artificial teeth. Better Image Dentistry offers two types of bridges to meet a wide range of tooth replacement needs:

• A traditional bridge has two crowns which are made to fit over your remaining teeth on either side of the gap where your teeth are missing, with one or more artificial replacement teeth in the middle. The existing natural teeth on either side of the bridge act as anchors to hold the bridge in place. 
   
• An implant bridge uses dental implants – instead of crowns on your natural teeth – to hold the artificial replacement teeth in place. A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that is surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace the roots of your natural teeth. Artificial teeth are attached to the implants to hold them in place. The implants themselves can be used to replace missing teeth, as well as acting as the anchors for a bridge. 

What are the Benefits of Using a Bridge as a Tooth Replacement?

• Your smile will be restored – Even better than before!
• Your remaining teeth will be prevented from drifting out of position, allowing you to chew, bite and speak naturally and with confidence.
• Using dental implants to support your bridge will keep pressure off your bone and nerves, and help stop the bone loss of the jaw associated with missing teeth.

Is a Bridge a Good Option for Me?

A bridge can be an excellent tooth replacement option. Because every patient is unique, Dr. Fairweather and his professional staff will evaluate your specific dental condition to determine whether a bridge is the best tooth replacement option for you. Please contact us to schedule a consultation at our office in Bridgewater, NJ.