What is a Bridge?
A bridge is a dental restoration that fills the space where one or more teeth are missing. The bridge restores your bite and helps keep the natural shape of your face. Before you get a bridge, your dentist wants you to know more about the steps involved. He or she can advise which type of bridge is best for you.
What if I Don’t Replace a Missing Tooth?
Teeth work together. When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth may tilt or drift into the empty space. The teeth in the opposite jaw may also shift up or down toward the space. This can affect your bite and place unusual stress on your teeth and jaw joints.
Teeth that have tipped or drifted are often hard to clean, as well. This makes them more at risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
When a tooth is missing, the bone around it may shrink. This can change the way the jawbone supports the lips and cheeks. Over time, this can cause the face to sag and can make you look older.
Before and After Veneers
A porcelain veneer is indicated when a portion of the front surface of the tooth needs a “face lift.” Similar to composite bonding, veneers are attached directly to the existing tooth structure. We treat the surface of the tooth with a special conditioner to prepare it to receive the veneer. A tooth-colored liquid bonding material is then applied to the tooth surface, to help the veneer adhere.
Veneers are also used to cover stains and close spaces between teeth.
