If you have one or more missing teeth on the same side, your dentist may offer you two options: dental implants or a dental bridge
A bridge is a custom-made replacement tooth or teeth that fill the space where one or more teeth are missing.
A dental bridge is a monolithic dental construction created according to the individual cast in order to replace the lost elements. It is fixed on adjacent teeth and requires several points of support. For example, in the absence of 2 teeth, the dental bridge that is installed is called a 4 unit bridge (2 units to cover the two missing teeth, and 1 unit for each adjacent tooth that will act as points of support). If one tooth is missing, you will have an option to have a 3 unit bridge.
Here at Fort Lauderdale Dental & Aesthetic Center, we recommend having a dental bridge if placing a dental implant is not a good option (for example, the patient doesn’t have enough bone for a placement of a titanium implant or patients who have a special medical condition.)
The dental bridge can be done with different materials. For example, host bridges that were delivered at Fort Lauderdale Dental & Aesthetic Center are done with dioxide zirconia. It is a very durable material. It is a metal-free prosthetic which is currently the most popular option in dentistry. However, in some specific cases, the dentist may recommend that you get a PFM bridge.
Zirconia offers superior strength and durability for dental crowns. It is at least three times stronger than porcelain or PFM restorations. Unlike porcelain, zirconia can withstand wear and tear without chipping, which is why zirconia restorations tolerate extreme chewing and bruxism.
At Fort Lauderdale Dental & Aesthetic Center, the zirconia dental bridge will be done in as little as two visits. At your first visit the dentist will prep your teeth and will take an impression for your permanent bridge. In general, it may take up to two weeks before your bridge is ready to install. In two weeks once your zirconia bridge is created, the dentist will install it during your second dental appointment.
Top 3 questions about zirconia dental bridges
- How long does a dental bridge last?
How long do dental bridges last? Dental bridges last at least 5 to 7 years. With good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings, the bridge may last more than 10 years.
2. Are dental bridges permanent?
A dental bridge is a fixed (permanent) restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Bridges mimic the look, shape, and function of natural teeth. They are also custom-made for every patient. In more severe cases, a patient may need multiple bridges.
2. How painful is it to get a bridge done in your teeth?
Is the dental bridge preparation painful? The bridge procedure is not painful because a local anesthetic is used while pairing your teeth and when your dentist takes an impression. It is often unnecessary to take an analgesic for pain relief after the treatment.
Please call our dental office at (754) 215-6225 if you have any questions. Our professional dental team will be more than happy to assist you with any dental needs.