Achieving a natural looking and realistic smile after tooth loss is possible with dental bridges. Dental bridges are one method used by dentists to fill a gap created by a missing tooth (or teeth). Depending on the dental bridge type you choose, the procedure and cost will vary. If you have questions about dental bridges, please read on for more dental bridge work info.

Dental bridges are false teeth anchored on neighbouring teeth in order to replace one or more missing teeth.  The false tooth is known as a pontic and is fused in between two crowns that serve as anchors by attaching to the teeth on each side of the false tooth and thereby bridging them together. In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. Bridges can reduce your risk of gum disease, help correct some bite issues and even improve your speech. Bridges require your commitment to serious oral hygiene, but will last as many ten years or more.

Before a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the  bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the bridge to match the color of your existing teeth.
Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your  bridge, in the material your dentist specifies. A temporary bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent  bridge is being made. When the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary  bridge is removed, and the new one is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.

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