Learn about general, preventive, and restorative dental care at Bayfront Dental.
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 function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
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. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What Exactly Is A Dental Bridge Or Fixed Partial Denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded 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 Dental Bridge?
Oral functionality 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.
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 disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How Is A Dental Bridge Attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment The Bayfront Dental team will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
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. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What Materials Are Used For Dental Bridges?
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.
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.
Dental Bridges In Downtown Miami
Dental bridges can replace missing teeth and help restore chewing, speech, and smile appearance for patients in Downtown Miami. Bayfront Dental is located at 224 Southeast 1st Street, making care convenient for patients who live or work near Downtown Miami, Brickell, Edgewater, Midtown Miami, Wynwood, Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach.
What To Expect At Bayfront Dental
- Evaluation of missing tooth space and supporting teeth
- Discussion of bridges, implants, and other options
- Planning for fit, bite, shade, and long-term maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to neighboring teeth or restorations.
Is a bridge better than an implant?
It depends on bone, neighboring teeth, health, budget, and treatment goals. Both options should be discussed.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Special flossers or interdental tools are often recommended to clean under and around a bridge.
Can a bridge look natural?
The goal is to match the bridge to your smile, bite, and surrounding teeth.
Who may be a good candidate for dental bridges?
The right recommendation depends on your oral health, symptoms, goals, and exam findings. Bayfront Dental reviews your teeth, gums, bite, medical history, and preferences before discussing whether dental bridges is appropriate for you.
What should I expect during a dental bridge visit?
Your visit starts with a conversation and an examination. When needed, the team may recommend digital imaging, photos, or additional diagnostic steps so you understand your options before treatment begins.
Are dental bridges convenient for patients near Downtown Miami and Brickell?
Yes. Bayfront Dental is located at 224 Southeast 1st Street in Downtown Miami, convenient for patients who live or work near Downtown Miami, Brickell, Edgewater, Midtown Miami, Wynwood, and nearby communities.
Will Bayfront Dental explain my options before treatment?
Yes. The team focuses on clear communication, comfort, and informed decisions. You should understand the purpose of treatment, expected steps, alternatives, and next steps before moving forward.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can request an appointment online through the website or call Bayfront Dental at (305) 530-1866.