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To begin the process, Dr. Gaeta will clean and numb your mouth. Then, he will remove a thin layer of enamel from the abutment teeth, which are the teeth that the bridge will be anchored to.
Next, Dr. Gaeta will take images and impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental lab. This is where your bridge will be created by an experienced lab technician. You’ll be sent home with a temporary bridge to protect your smile.
One of our lab partners will build a dental bridge from durable porcelain materials. Your bridge will look and feel just like a natural part of your mouth, and provide you with a seamless restoration. It may take several weeks to have your bridge built and sent back to our office.
At your final appointment, Dr. Gaeta will remove your temporary bridge. Then, he will check the fit of your porcelain bridge and bond it in place permanently with dental cement. Finally, he’ll give you some instructions on how to care for your new smile and send you home.
Yes. Just like natural teeth, your bridge may eventually wear out and require repair or replacement. Dental bridges have a typical lifespan of 5-7 years, but can last 10+ years with proper care. Take good care of your new bridge, and it will take good care of you!
Yes. Dental bridges are permanent and are not removable, unlike partial dentures. This makes them a lot more stable and durable, and also helps your new teeth look and feel more natural. Your bridge can only be removed by a dentist like Dr. Gaeta.
For the most part, you can just treat your bridges like natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss once a day to keep your natural teeth healthy, and make sure to see Dr. Gaeta for preventive dentistry and a checkup every six months.
However, you will need to learn how to clean underneath your bridge. There is a small gap where food and other debris can build up. You can use special floss tape or interdental brushes to clean this area. This prevents irritation and infection, and keeps your mouth healthy.