Fixed dental bridges are non-removable appliances that are an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth.

Dr. Neary will discuss with you which type of restoration is  best for your particular case. Sometimes an implant and a crown, or multiple implants and crowns are your best choice. If that is not feasible, a traditional bridge is the most popular restorative choice. Bridges are usually made of porcelain fused to a noble metal substructure. This type of bridge involves crowns that go over two or more anchoring teeth (abutments) and are connected to pontics (artificial teeth), made from the same materials, filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges are strong and highly durable prosthetic devices and should last many years with proper home care, good diet and regular cleaning and maintenance.

Fixed bridges can:

• fill in spaces created by missing teeth.
• maintain facial structures.
• prevent teeth from drifting out of position.
• restore functions such as chewing and speech.
• restore your smile.
• upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent non removable appliance.

Fixed bridge process

Dr. Neary usually requires two or more visits to create a new fixed bridge for you. Preliminary impressions and records may be taken at an initial appointment. At the preparation appointment, after local anesthesia,the anchoring teeth, usually 2 or more, are prepared. Then a highly detailed impression is taken which is then sent to a dental laboratory.The laboratory fabricates the bridge based on Dr. Neary's precise instructions. A temporary bridge will be made and is usually worn for 2-3 weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, Dr. Neary will carefully check esthetics with you, adjust your bite and then cement your new bridge.  On occasion, Dr. Neary may elect to temporarily cement the bridge, allowing you to evaluate your new teeth and to allow your tissue time to adapt to the new bridge. In this situation, your new bridge will be permanently cemented at a subsequent appointment.

Dr. Neary and our staff give you care instructions when your bridge is seated. Proper hygiene, good diet and regular dental visits will extend the life of your new permanent bridge.

Call us today at 480 949 8070 for an appointment to see Scottsdale dentist Michael J. Neary, DDS!