All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn't necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper position ot your teeth and function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.

If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it's difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. If missing teeth are not replaced, other teeth may not be stable, allowing them to drift and move out of position. Fixed bridges and implants are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.

What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?

A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a prosthesis, which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are cemented into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.

Why do I need a bridge?

Function and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older. If missing teeth are not replaced, other teeth may not be stable, allowing them to drift and move out of position.

Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful possibilities.

Because of greater difficulty in cleaning areas with missing teeth, an increased risk of gum disease is possible. Because more chewing force is absorbed by remaining teeth, increased wear, cracks or tooth breakage may result. If remaining teeth are not stabilized, the resultant crooked or crowded teeth contribute to these possibilities. Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.

What is the process for bridge fabrication?

At the first appointment Dr. Fling will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin. A uniform amount of tooth reduction around and on top of the tooth is completed. This preparation process requires acute attention to detail. Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure a correct bite and fit, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed

Most crowns and bridges fail because of poor fit or because proper consideration has not been given to the bite. Research shows the average crown or bridge last less than 6 years. Dr. Fling chooses to be different. Keeping the facts in mind, careful consideration is given to the bite. Then meticulous attention to detail is given to the preparation process and to the resultant impressions. Unlike the norm, Dr. Fling and his staff complete their own modelwork on which the crowns or bridges are fabricated. Usually left to the technician, this modelwork is mounted and finished under magnification to ensure it is exact by Dr. Fling ans his staff. It should be noted that these are many of the principles and procedures that Dr. Fling teaches to students and dentist with his lectures and seminars.

Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.

What materials are used?

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal. Use of tooth colored copings are also available for the porcelain to be bonded to, allowing crowns to be constructed that are strong, but completely tooth colored.

How do I take care of my bridge?

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.