Dr. Mabrito, cosmetic & general family dentist in Houston, uses dental bridges to enhance your smile by filling in gaps or spaces due to missing teeth.


Dental Bridges

By Houston Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Craig Mabrito

 

Dr. Mabrito uses dental bridges to enhance your smile by filling in gaps or spaces due to missing teeth.  When creating a dental bridge, Dr. Mabrito will make a false tooth to fill the open space, which is then attached to the surrounding natural teeth, creating a bridge between your teeth.

Dental bridges are a great way to prevent long-term problems that leaving spaces or gaps in your smile can cause.  If you leave spaces in your smile, permanent teeth may drift, disturbing alignment.  Spaces left unfilled can also expose your teeth and gums to the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.  A dental bridge will not only fill the open spaces in your smile, but it will also preserve alignment of the teeth and help guard against gum disease and
tooth decay.

Types of Dental Bridges

Before placement of dental bridges, by Dr. Craig Mabrito, cosmetic dentist in Houston
Before		 After placement of dental bridges, by Dr. Craig Mabrito, cosmetic dentist in Houston
After

There are three types of dental bridges that Dr. Mabrito may use to improve your smile.

Traditional Fixed Bridge

A traditional fixed dental bridge is a false tooth, also called a pontic, which is fused between two teeth covered with porcelain crowns. Fixed dental bridges cannot be removed from the mouth.

Resin Bonded Bridges

Resin bonded bridges are usually used for your front teeth.  The false tooth is attached to a metal or ceramic band that is bonded to the surrounding teeth with a resin and hidden from view.  Most resin bonded bridges performed by Dr. Mabrito are done with all ceramic and no metal.  Because the surrounding teeth do not have to be covered by porcelain crowns, there is less dental work and preparation required with this type of bridge.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are used in areas of your mouth that are under less stress and where there is a natural tooth on only one side of the open space.  In this case, the false tooth is attached to that one natural tooth and possibly others on the same side of the gap.

Dental Bridge Procedure

The dental bridge procedure requires 2-3 visits. Before the procedure begins, Dr. Mabrito will discuss the process with you and allow you time to ask any questions you may have regarding your dental bridge.

The tooth or teeth requiring the false tooth attachment will first need to be prepared for a porcelain crown or veneer.  Once your teeth are prepared, Dr. Mabrito will make an impression of your mouth so the crowns and false tooth can be made to fit the shape, color, and translucency of your natural teeth and bite.  Dr. Mabrito will create a temporary bridge for you to wear to protect the teeth and gums while the crowns and false tooth are being made.

At your next visit, Dr. Mabrito will remove the temporary bridge and replace it with your permanent bridge.  Once the permanent bridge is placed, Dr. Mabrito will check the height and size of the teeth, making any adjustments necessary.  There is no maintenance required for a dental bridge other than regular check-ups with your dentist and a routine of healthy hygiene practices.

If you would like more information about how dental bridges can improve your smile, call Dr. Mabrito’s office today at 713-528-0567 or fill out our on-line contact form.