Dental Bridges

Many people will experience tooth loss at some point in their life. As prosthodontists, we will thoughtfully assess all aspects of your case to help you decide which tooth replacement option is best for you. Dental bridges, popular because of their affordability and convincing appearance, are just one of the options available to our patients.

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 (removable bridge).

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 are 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 is 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 bridge or fixed partial denture?

A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that 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 because they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.

How is a bridge attached?

The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Lutonsky 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?

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either a 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.

James Lutonsky, DDS

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

We are looking forward to receiving the help my wife needs. During the consultation I was impressed with Dr Lutonsky and his staff who demonstrated professionalism in action and yet a friendly we will help attitude. I am comfortable that this firm is the right one to treat my wife. I can't wait to see her smile again.

- Lois M W

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The Expert And Professional Support From Dr. Lutonsky And His Staff Are So Refreshing. You Feel Comfortable And At Ease Right Away. Your In Good Hands With His Well Rounded Knowledge Of Dental Procedures, Techniques And Friendly Attitude. You Know Within A Very Short Period Of Time That You Made The Right Decision In Choosing This Dentist. I Won't Be Going Anywhere Else As Long As I Need Dental Work. Dr. Lutonsky And His Staff Are Top Of The Line As Far As I Am Concerned. I Will Always Be So Grateful To Him And His Wonderful Staff For Accepting Me As A New Patient And Taking Such Good Cars Of My Needs.

- Kay B

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Lutonsky has performed implants on my upper and lower teeth with excellent results. I have been going to Dr Luntonsky for dental work for 10 years with great results. My Wife and Daughter both go to Dr Lutonsky for dental work.

- David K

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I just want to thank you for such a successful series of procedures. I am just overjoyed with the final results. The new dentures fit and perform better than I could have ever imagined when we began this project two years ago. Thank you and your staff for all you have done so well, Robert

- Anonymous

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