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Whether your dentist has recommended it or you’re weighing options on your own, understanding the basics of a dental bridge will help you decide if it’s the right solution for your needs. While useful and effective in dentistry, a bridge may not be what you’re looking for. Here’s a brief guide for more information about this dental technique.

A Guide to Dental Bridges

What is it?

A dental bridge uses an artificial tooth to fill in the gap left by a lost one. With fixed bridges, the pontic, or replacement tooth, will attach to two crowns, keeping it secure for years. Before laying the bridge, your dentist will prepare the surrounding teeth by removing dental tissue so the crowns can fit snugly on top of them. On the other hand, removable bridges use metal wiring to attach the artificial tooth to the surrounding teeth.

What’s it made of?

dental bridgeBoth types of dental bridges can be made of several materials, including porcelain, gold, or alloys. Porcelain offers durability and a natural appearance, and when reinforced by metal in a porcelain-alloy bridge, it’s unlikely to chip or fracture. Solid metal, or alloy bridges, offer durability, but lack aesthetics and certain compounds aren’t as compatible with your body as porcelain is.

How does it differ from dentures?

Removable bridges are often called partial dentures because they’re smaller and less noticeable than a full set, and unlike dentures, fixed bridges are permanent and can’t be taken out. All bridges address a smaller area than a denture set, such as one or two missing teeth, and aren’t ideal for patients who require more coverage.

 

If you’d like professional insight on whether dental bridges are right for you, visit the experts at Flathead Denture in Columbia Falls, MT, for a free consultation. The clinic is open on Mondays and Tuesdays, and for over seven years, they’ve serviced the community with bridges and denture repair, adjustment, and alignment. They accept most major insurances, and they offer competitive payment plans for patients paying privately. Send a message online or call (406) 892-0700 to schedule an appointment.

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