Dental Bridges
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a dental bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why do I need a dental bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a dental bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Malhotra will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used for dental bridges?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
How do I take care of my bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Modern Smiles Dental Care
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have dental PTSD and was very hesitant to believe the other 5 star reviews of this place. However, I was completely blown away. Do not judge a book by its cover. The parking lot in front of the office is not the most amazing place. I had already thought that I would not like the place from the outside. I was so wrong and surprised. My experience was AMAZING! Not only were the staff and Dr. Malhotra very friendly, they were human. I was treated like a human being, not some lab rat. And they were human - they wanted to talk to me and tell me about themselves. Also, everything that was being done to my mouth - was EXPLAINED! I could not believe how thorough and interesting it was to understand what was going on. There is a screen above the patient seat where one is shown all the Xrays, the imaging, and the diagrams of one's own mouth. I could not believe how exciting it was to see my teeth and have all my problems explained to me. How is it that all my previous dentists thought it would be a good idea to just give recommendations and keep all their patients in the dark!? I have never had such a great time at a dental office. Also, Dr. Malhotra could sense when I was in pain and made sure to adjust her instruments to make sure I was comfortable. I felt that she is a natural teacher and approaches patients like she would students. She teaches in a non-judgemental way that makes one feel calm. I cannot believe she helped me learn so much about my mouth. I am definitely going back to this place while I live in the area.
- Kara L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I initial went to Dr. Sarita for Modern Smiles introductory special. The examine and evaluation were completed extremely professionally and the condition of my teeth and gums discussed with me in detail. The cleaning was thorough and painless. I was so impressed that I immediately made an appointment for the filling of two cavities that were found. I would highly recommend Dr. Sarita for her professionalism, her skills at interacting with patients and the quality of her care. Her assistant Megan was also very professional and friendly.
- John A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Sarita is wonderful. She knows what she's doing and can explain it in a way that makes sense. She cares abut her patients. Her office is state-of-the-art. This was my first visit, and I'm going back for two-follow up procedures, something I had been putting off for years due to bad experiences with previous dentists.
- Judith C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Sarita is amazing!! She explained kindly all the steps and process, she s very gentle, and let you in control. And I did not feel anything. I felt safe! Thank you !
- Anais G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My mother visited Dr. Malhotra to resolve some mouth pain she had been experiencing. Dr. Malhotra identified and resolved the issues in one visit. My mother, herself a retired dentist, was very impressed with the quality of Dr. Malhotra's work. She was at ease and very relaxed under the care of Dr. Malhotra and her staff.
- Sandip B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My first visit to Dr. Malhotra’s office was great! she was very nice and friendly. She and her staff made me feel very welcome and comfortable. Throughout the treatment she made sure I was comfortable, she was very gentle, I did not even know how fast my appointment was done. Watching Netflix on the chair TV was entertaining. Best experience I’ve had going to a dentist in a long time!
- Brent M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
AMAZING dentist and dental office! Dr. Malhotra is very professional and nice, the office was flexible with scheduling, genuinely concerned with their patients, office is vey modern and new, it has new dental instruments and machines too, it was just an all around great experience. Dr. Malhotra is very friendly and patient, she listened to all my concerns before giving me options. I will be back to see them for my treatment. I would definitely recommend to friends.
- Debbie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great new state of the art office, Dr Malhotra is very caring and kind! She explained everything and was very gentle and always making sure that I was't in pain. Very attentive and excellent care. So glad found this place. Would highly recommend !!
- Lauren G