Porcelain Fixed Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth

By Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS – Manhattan New York City Restorative Dentist

Holes in your smile can make you feel self-conscious, but the absence of one or more teeth also impacts the health and function of surrounding teeth. Dr. Wei uses porcelain fixed dental bridges to replace missing teeth, restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

Is a Porcelain Fixed Dental Bridge Right for You?

There are several restorative dentistry solutions for missing teeth. The porcelain fixed dental bridge is a strong, long-lasting dental repair for many Midtown Manhattan dental patients.

The primary goal of dental bridges is to, of course, replace the tooth you are missing. The secondary goal is to prevent movement of the teeth on either side of the space. A missing tooth not only draws attention to itself and contributes to an unsightly smile, its absence creates a functional problem. Understimulated areas of the jawbone – a side effect of missing teeth and roots – impacts the strength and stability of your jawbone. Over time, the shape of your face can change, sink in, and make you look like your jaw is shrunken, thereby aging your appearance.

If you are missing a tooth or teeth, a porcelain fixed dental bridge offers many benefits, from making your teeth healthier to completing your smile. Dental implants offer the same perks as well, but Dr. Wei will present all restorative dentistry options to you during your consultation. Together, you will determine which solution works best for your oral health, budget, and lifestyle.

The Porcelain Fixed Dental Bridge Procedure

If you have one or more missing teeth, a porcelain fixed dental bridge closes the gap using porcelain teeth known as a pontic. The dental bridge solution typically includes the use of porcelain tooth crowns. The crowns serve as anchors on either side of the bridge.

The artificial teeth are created with hidden clasps that secure them to the crowns and hold the bridge in place. The crowns are known as an abutment and serve as an insurance policy of sorts, doubling the secure solution that is a porcelain fixed dental bridge.

Both the porcelain bridge and the porcelain crowns are bonded in place, completely restoring the functionality and appearance of your smile.

Benefits of a Porcelain Dental Bridge

If you are uncomfortable about the holes in your smile that missing teeth have created, you won’t need to worry about a porcelain dental bridge drawing negative attention to your mouth. A bridge is a subtle but complete solution for missing teeth. No one will ever notice that you have a bridge unless you draw attention to it.

If you have lived with a missing tooth or teeth for some time, you are probably used to compensating for their absence. However, you will wonder how you ever lived for so long without a complete smile once your porcelain dental bridge has been put permanently into place. You will be comfortable biting, chewing, and speaking without a hint of self-consciousness about your teeth.

One of the biggest benefits of a porcelain dental bridge is that it can last for decades if cared for properly. When you have a complete smile, you can look forward to all the weddings, graduations, reunions, parties, and professional milestones in your future because you’ll be appearing at them with a healthy set of teeth.

The Composition and Care of Porcelain Bridges

Porcelain fixed dental bridges can be made using various materials, like metal, zirconia, and, of course, porcelain. Quite often, porcelain bridges are made from porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or ceramic. Both compositions are strong, secure, and supportive. The bridge and corresponding porcelain crowns take the place of missing teeth to complete the structure of your smile. Plus, porcelain bridges are customized to match your natural teeth in shape, color, and size.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that even though a prosthetic tooth or teeth has been added to your smile, that does not mean the teeth are self-cleaning. A porcelain bridge and porcelain crowns do not require special care or upkeep, but they do need to be brushed and flossed daily just like the rest of your natural teeth. You want to make sure your entire mouth remains healthy so that the need for additional restorative dentistry solutions remains low and periodontal treatment is not necessary.

Continue to visit Dr. Wei, your Midtown Manhattan restorative dentist, every six months for exams and teeth cleanings. He will help you keep your smile – and your porcelain fixed dental bridge – looking stunning and functioning properly.