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Bridges

Teeth that function and fit properly are the foundation for proper chewing. Dr. Hughes understands the importance of function and fit and the role that bridges play in providing proper chewing.

Bridges are natural-looking tooth replacements that help maintain facial structure, reduce stress on the jaw and fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented to the existing teeth and do not come out. A fixed bridge is a dental prosthetic that effectively replaces a missing tooth. Most bridges are situated between two dental crowns that hold the prosthetic in place. To ensure that a successful repair is made, the teeth adjacent to the target area are reduced to the proper pattern that will fit the new tooth's material and shape. This also allows for seamless integration with the teeth directly above or below the replacement during chewing. Precise affixation of this replacement is vital to proper functioning of the teeth once the patient leaves the dentist's office.

Careful planning must be followed to ensure the replacement tooth will be supported adequately by the crowns on either side. If the teeth immediately next to the missing tooth do not satisfy this requirement, additional support teeth may be employed.

What do bridges do?

A bridge can be used to:

Restore your smile
Reduce your risk of gum disease
Restore your ability to bite and chew
Improve your speech
Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

What are the different types of bridges?

There are three main types of bridges:

Traditional bridges, also known as fixed bridges, are used to replace one or more missing teeth. The procedure involves creating crowns for the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth, with a replacement tooth fixed between and constructed as one unit. Unlike dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth. This the most common type of bridge and they are made either of porcelain fused to metal or of ceramics.
Resin bonded bridges, also known as Maryland bonded bridges, are primarily used for front teeth. They are less expensive than fixed bridges and are best when the teeth are healthy and do not have any large fillings. A false tooth is fused with resin to metal bands that are bonded to the adjacent teeth and hidden from view. Resin bonded bridges require minimal preparation of the adjacent teeth.
Cantilever bridges are used in areas of your mouth that are under low amounts of stress, such as your front teeth. Cantilever bridges are recommended when there are teeth on only one side of the open space.

What is the bridge preparation procedure like?

First, the adjacent teeth must be prepared. This involves removing some of the enamel to allow room for the crown to be placed over them.

Next, impressions of your teeth are made. These will be sent to a laboratory to create the bridge that will uniquely fit your mouth. This may take 1 to 2 weeks. While your bridge is being made, you will be given a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.

On your next visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and replaced with the new, permanent bridge. Dr. Hughes and staff will make sure the bridge fits properly and then cement it to your teeth.

What can I expect after the bridge is put in?

Replacing missing teeth should make eating easier, but until you get used to the bridge, it is recommended that you eat soft food cut into small pieces. For a few weeks after receiving a bridge, it is common to experience increased sensitivity to extreme temperatures. You may start noticing a difference when you speak, as your speech will become clearer.

How long will my bridge last?

With good oral hygiene, you can expect your bridge to last from 5 to 15 years, sometimes longer. You must remember to practice proper oral hygiene through regular cleaning and check-up visits to our office to prevent the build-up of bacteria on your teeth and gums.

Dentures

Patients who have lost their natural teeth due to decay, periodontal disease or injury can suffer from related problems including further decay, difficulty eating and speaking, and drooping of facial muscles. Full and partial dentures replace the missing teeth both aesthetically and functionally, providing support and restoring the smile. Full (complete) dentures are used when all of the natural teeth have been lost, while partial dentures fill in the gaps between natural teeth.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing or diseased teeth in the upper or lower jaw to restore the appearance and function of the teeth, as well as reduce the patient’s risk of gum disease. This type of replacement is often used when one or more healthy natural teeth remain in the area to support the appliance. Patients will be able to eat, speak and smile without difficulty once the partial dentures are in place.

These appliances may be fixed or removable, depending on the preference and oral health of the patient. Regardless of the type, partial dentures are precisely fitted to replace the missing teeth in the individual patient’s mouth for improved comfort and function. Placement of partial dentures is done over a few visits to your dentist.

Partial dentures require the same oral care as regular teeth, including brushing twice a day and receiving regular cleanings for the remaining teeth to prevent decay and gum disease. Your mouth may change over time, requiring minor adjustments to your dentures that can be easily made by the dentist.

Overdentures

Overdentures are full dentures that are firmly anchored to the jaw so they don't slip around or stick together when you talk or eat. They can make life a lot easier for patients who are missing all of their natural teeth (what dentists call "edentulous" patients). Overdentures are like normal full dentures, except instead of relying on the gums and other tissues of the mouth for support, they are fixed in place using either the preserved tooth roots or dental implants. Implant-supported overdentures are highly effective, with a success rate of more than 95% over 10 years. Not only are they very comfortable, they also help preserve the jaw bone—and best of all, you don't have to worry about eating chewy, sticky or tough foods anymore.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Implant-retained dentures provide an advanced alternative to traditional denture placement, as they are secured in the mouth using titanium implant posts, providing greater strength and stability for the replacement teeth. This technique allows patients with dentures to easily speak and eat without worrying about their dentures slipping out of place. Implants help dentures function just like the patient’s natural teeth.

Implants are placed in the ridge during the initial appointment and then fuse to the bone over a period of six weeks to five months depending on the type of implant. If mini implants are used, greater retention is achieved immediately the day of the placement even though they rest in a soft material for six weeks. On the sixth week, permanent housings are placed in the underside of the denture and from that point on there is superb solid retention. The mini implants are less costly than regular implants. Regular implants can be used but are generally not necessary to stabilize an existing full denture. In either case, the dentures are still removable.

After the implants and dentures are placed, patients will see the dentist for regular cleanings at least once a year. The dentures will provide years of service as a strong, natural-looking tooth replacement option. Most patients choose implant-retained dentures over the traditional removable dentures for their many benefits.