Dental Services

Another option for tooth replacement is a permanent dental bridge.

A Dental Bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Dental bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.

Fixed Dental 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.

A dental 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 dental bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed dental bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.

Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a dental bridge. A dental 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 dental bridge.

Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.

The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. George Schneider will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.

Since the dental 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 Dental 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.

Dental 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?

How do I take care of my bridge?

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

1432 Townview Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 | 707-542-4692 | www.GeorgeSchneiderDDS.com