What Are Fixed Dental Bridges?
Fixed dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth by crowning the teeth on either side of the gap and supporting artificial teeth between them. This non-removable solution looks and functions just like your natural teeth, restoring both the appearance and function of your smile. Beyond that, a fixed bridge helps prevent the adjacent or opposing teeth from shifting, which protects the alignment of your bite.
These bridges are durable, strong, and natural-looking, and once they’re permanently cemented, they allow you to eat, speak, and function just like before.
How Are Fixed Bridges Made?
The process of getting a fixed bridge usually takes multiple visits. It involves preparing the supporting teeth (known as the “abutment teeth”), taking impressions, and placing a temporary bridge while the permanent one is being made. Once ready, the final bridge is tried in, adjusted for a perfect fit, and then permanently cemented into place. The artificial tooth or teeth that fill the gap are called “pontics.”
With advancements in dental technology, bridges can now also be fully supported by dental implants, eliminating the need to crown the adjacent natural teeth. Depending on the specific needs of the patient, fixed bridges can be made from various materials like porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or advanced ceramics such as zirconia.
