Our Services
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BridgesFemale, age 45: Failing Bridge Restored with an Esthetic New Bridge
Smile Before
Smile After 
Top View - Before
Top-View After 
Close-up Before
Close-up After A bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth and attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable. Fixed bridges are applied by placing crowns on the adjacent natural teeth and are constructed from gold or other precious metal alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Removable bridges are attached to the natural teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments and can be taken out for cleaning. They are made from metal alloys and acrylic teeth. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts. Dental implants are revolutionizing the replacement of missing teeth. For most patients, they are the best option over fixed or removable bridges. The initial fee for dental implants is higher, but the long-term cumulative costs may be lower. Dental implants also do not require preparation of intact natural teeth. For more information on dental implants, click here. Missing teeth affect a patient’s appearance, chewing ability and speech. A bridge helps support the 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. The attachment procedure typically takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Priest 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 made and sent to our on-site laboratory where the bridge will be constructed. Dr. Priest makes and seats a temporary bridge to be worn while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. At the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and the fixed bridge is permanently cemented to the prepared teeth. This appointment rarely requires anesthesia and the patient can function with the prosthesis immediately. 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. Benefits of fixed bridges:
Benefits of removable bridges:
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