Services

Esthetic Dentistry

• Bonding
• Porcelain Veneers
• All-Ceramic Crowns
• Invisalign
• Tooth Whitening
• Smile Makeovers

Restorative Dentistry

• Crowns
• Bridgework
• Tooth Colored Fillings
• Endodontics

Removable Prostheses

• Partial Removable Denture
• Full Removable Denture
• Implant-Retained Denture

Dental Implants

• Single Tooth Replacement
• Teeth In A Day
• Teeth In An Hour

Dental Bridges, Amherst and Springfield MA

It takes all of your teeth working together to properly speak, chew and keep one another in place. Tooth loss is not a necessary part of aging, but if it happens to you, replacing those teeth is important in your whole mouth functioning properly. Correcting tooth loss is a regular part of the Pioneer Valley cosmetic dentistry practice of EMA Dental.

Options

A bridge is a common option for replacing missing teeth. It uses the natural teeth, known as abutment teeth, to attach the artificial teeth. You

have a choice between fixed bridges, which are permanently attached, or removable bridges.

Permanent bridges can be applied via crowns on the abutment teeth or using special dental bonding agents to attach the artificial teeth to their neighboring natural teeth.

People who have lived with missing teeth are very aware of how important they are to both their appearance and dental health. Eating and speaking are affected daily by missing teeth. Without those teeth, these daily functions are more difficult. EMA Dental wants all of their patients to have the best life possible and will work with you to replace missing teeth for improved dental health and appearance.

What Is A Bridge/Fixed Partial Denture?

A bridge, or fixed partial dental, is bonded onto adjacent teeth and is meant to fill the gaps left by absent teeth. They can only be applied and removed by a dental professional. They differ from removal bridges in that they cannot be taken out and cleaned. They also offer greater stability than removable bridges.

Why Do I Need A Bridge?

Our patients choose bridges for a variety of reasons. Appearance is an important one because a properly placed bridge provides the support your jaw, lips and cheeks need for a natural, more youthful appearance. When teeth are missing, your mouth can sink, making you appear older than you naturally are.

More importantly, the health of your mouth is the main reason for a bridge. When teeth are missing, the gums are unusually stressed, which can result in an even greater variety of dental disorders. Gum disease is one of the biggest risks in living with missing teeth. With proper care, a bridge can prevent this problem. Speech disorders are also caused when teeth are missing, because your tongue and mouth are unable to form the sounds correctly.

How Is A Bridge Attached?

When a bridge is required, you will need two to three visits for the work to be completed. Your first appointment will focus on preparing the remaining teeth through shaping for a crown.

It is important that your bridge fit precisely so it will be created in a dental lab after they receive your impressions. This ensures the correct bite and a match with neighboring teeth.

At your final appointment, your fixed bridge will be attached to the natural teeth with dental cement. The false tooth, technically referred to as a pontic, rests in between them. Crowns on the natural teeth support the bridge.

What Materials Are Used?

Gold alloys, porcelain or non-precious alloys can all be used to construct your bridge. Sometimes it is necessary to use a combination of these materials to get the bridge that is best for you.

How Do I Take Care Of My Bridge?

Once your bridge is in place, taking care of it is important. Brushing and flossing regularly will help your bridge last longer by keeping the supporting teeth as healthy as possible.