Porcelain Fixed Bridges

Benefits of a Fixed Bridge

A dental bridge does more than just replace missing teeth—it restores function and prevents further dental issues. Key benefits include:

• • Restoring Your Smile – Bridges fill gaps for a complete, confident smile.

• • Maintaining Facial Structure – Missing teeth can cause facial sagging over time; bridges support the natural contours of your face.

• • Improving Chewing & Speaking – Bridges restore your ability to chew properly and speak clearly.

• • Preventing Shifting of Teeth – Without a bridge, surrounding teeth may drift into the empty space, leading to bite problems and misalignment.

• • Providing a Permanent Alternative to Removable Dentures – Unlike removable partial dentures, a fixed bridge remains securely in place.

The Dental Bridge Process

Getting a porcelain fixed bridge typically requires two or more visits:

First Appointment: Tooth Preparation & Temporary Bridge

• • Numbing the Area – A local anesthetic is used to ensure comfort.

• • Tooth Reshaping – The two abutment teeth (adjacent natural teeth) are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns.

• • Impressions Taken – A highly accurate impression (mold) is made and sent to a dental laboratory to create the custom bridge.

• • Temporary Bridge Placement – A temporary bridge is placed to protect the teeth while the permanent bridge is being fabricated.

Second Appointment: Final Bridge Placement

• • Removing the Temporary Bridge – The temporary restoration is carefully removed.

• • Fitting the Permanent Bridge – The final bridge is checked for fit, alignment, and bite.

• • Cementing the Bridge – Once everything is perfect, the bridge is permanently cemented in place. In some cases, the dentist may use temporary cement to allow for adjustments before permanent placement.

How Long Does a Porcelain Bridge Last?

With proper care, a porcelain fixed bridge can last between 10-15 years or longer. The longevity of your bridge depends on oral hygiene, diet, and regular dental checkups.

Caring for Your Porcelain Fixed Bridge

To maximize the lifespan of your bridge:

• • Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

• • Floss daily using a bridge threader or interdental brushes to clean beneath the bridge.

• • Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or sticky candies that may damage the restoration.

• • Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure your bridge remains in excellent condition.

Are You a Candidate for a Fixed Bridge?

If you have one or more missing teeth but have healthy teeth adjacent to the gap, a porcelain fixed bridge may be the ideal solution. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your dental health, bite alignment, and jaw structure to determine the best restoration for you.

At Lisa J. McDonald, DMD & Associates, we are dedicated to restoring smiles with high-quality, natural-looking restorations. Schedule a consultation today to see if a porcelain fixed bridge is the right solution for your missing teeth.