Complete Fixed Bridge
Princeton, NJ
 Patients who have lost one or more teeth may find it difficult to speak with clarity and enjoy the same carefree lifestyle as they once did. At Prosthodontics of Princeton, we offer our patients a wide range of restoration solutions that can replace missing teeth. One of these solutions is the natural tooth supported bridge. This prosthetic solution can offer you a permanent replacement for the lost teeth, and restore your smile.
What Is a Natural Tooth Supported Bridge?
A natural tooth supported bridge is a popular option for tooth replacement. If you are missing one or more adjacent teeth, a bridge can help restore the appearance of your smile and prevent potential problems. Once you lose a tooth, your surrounding teeth may shift out of position to accommodate the open space. This restoration, as the name suggests, literally “bridges” the gap and keeps your teeth in their proper alignment.
The traditional natural tooth supported bridge relies on the surrounding natural teeth for the support that is needed. If a patient is missing one or more teeth, an appropriate number of natural teeth are required to help support the replacement teeth. If a patient is missing one tooth, the two adjacent teeth to the space are used as the abutment teeth to support the missing, or pontic, tooth. If multiple teeth are missing, it may be necessary to utilize more abutment teeth for the sustainability of the bridge.
The Importance of Tooth Replacement
The loss of any teeth can take a toll on the way that you speak and eat. Most important of all, lost teeth can take a toll on your self-confidence. Many patients see a dramatic drop in self-confidence after they have lost one or more teeth.
Teeth also play an important role in the structural integrity of the bone in your jaw. When teeth are lost, the physical stimulation that is needed to keep the bone in the jaw healthy is also lost. This will quickly lead to bone regression. The natural tooth bridge will maintain tooth position and provide for proper chewing and digestion of food.
The Natural Tooth Supported Bridge Process
If a natural tooth supported bridge is treatment planned for replacing missing teeth, impressions will be made in order for the laboratory to fabricate a processed temporary. This is a shell of the temporary bridge that will ultimately be placed in the patient’s mouth once the teeth are prepared for the bridge. When the temporary bridge is ready, the patient is scheduled for the preparation appointment. At this appointment, the patient is given anesthesia and those teeth that are to be used to support the bridge are reduced in size. Impressions or scans are made for the laboratory to start the fabrication of the bridge. The temporary bridge is fitted and temporarily cemented in place. At a subsequent visit, parts of the bridge are fitted and a second impression is made. The lab then solders the parts together and adds porcelain and returns the bridge for insertion. The bridge is typically cemented initially with a temporary cement to ensure proper fit. At the last visit for the bridge, a final cement is used to secure the bridge.
Some permanent bridges these days are also made from porcelain or Zirconia. Talk with Dr. Isaacson, Dr. Reinhardt and Dr. Milone to learn more about your restorative options.
The Benefits of a Natural Tooth Supported Bridge
The natural tooth supported bridge will offer a number of benefits. It is a long term tooth replacement solution that will function just like your natural teeth. You will be able to enjoy meals just as you would with your natural teeth. Patients appreciate that there is no impact on speech, as the prosthetic will not slip or fall out when you are speaking. The natural tooth supported Bridge is durable and can last decades with the right type of care.
To restore aesthetics and functionality with natural tooth supported bridges at Prosthodontics of Princeton. Call (609) 924-1975 to schedule your consultation with our prosthodontist.
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