A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. There are several types of bridges. You and Dr. Grzegorzewski will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Reasons for a fixed bridge:
- Fill space of missing teeth.
- Maintain facial shape.
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
- Restore chewing and speaking ability.
- Restore your smile.
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges Warranty
Porcelain Crowns, Bridges & Onlays
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Temporaries
- You have just received a temporary restoration that will serve you for a short period of timewhile your permanent crown is being made. This will protect the tooth and hold the tooth in position so the permanent restoration will fit properly.
- Temporaries are not strong. They may break or come off occasionally. If so, slip it back onthe tooth with some Fixodent (Denture Adhesive) and call us for an appointment. Please donot leave the temporary out of your mouth because the tooth will move and the final restoration will not fit. Brush softly and floss carefully around your temporary. Be careful not to lift the temporary up when you floss - just pull it through. It is imperative that the gum tissue remains healthy or we may not be able to seat your new restoration.
- The size, shape, and color of the temporary does not resemble the final restoration.
- Temporary restorations may leak saliva or food onto the tooth. Sensitivity to hot, cold, pressure or sweets is not uncommon. If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, please call for an appointment for a simple adjustment.
Permanent Crowns / Onlays
- After the final cementation of your restoration, it may take a few days to get used to the new crown or bridge. Hot and cold sensitivity is possible for a few weeks and occasionally lasts for several months. As with the temporary, if the bite doesn't feel balanced please call us.
- Do not chew hard or sticky foods on the restoration for 24 hours from the time they were cemented. The cement must set during this time to have optimum strength.
- Proper brushing, flossing, and regular 6-month (minimal) cleanings are required to help you retain your final restoration. The only area that a crowned tooth can decay is at the edge of the crown at the gumline. Often, small problems that develop around the restorations can be found at an early stage and corrected easily, but waiting for a longer time may require redoing the entire restoration.
Warranty
- For a period of 5 years from the date of service, we will replace the crown or bridge due to breaking or decay at no cost to the patient. (This does not include accidents that could also break normal, healthy teeth).
- This warranty is null and void if the patient does not maintain their 6-month continuing care cleaning appointments.