Renewing Smiles with Dental Bridges
Teeth have many important functions.They help you eat the foods you love, speak properly, and support facial structure to maintain an attractive appearance. Even one missing tooth can negatively impact your smile and compromise your oral health. Dr. Cranham uses fixed dental bridges to restore smiles spoiled by missing teeth.

What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is a dental device that contains one or more prosthetic teeth to fill gaps and complete your smile. Dental bridges are permanently attached to healthy neighboring teeth that have been prepared with crowns. If the teeth that border the gap aren’t healthy enough to crown, Dr. Cranham may suggest dental implants as an alternative.

Why do I need a bridge?
If you’re missing teeth, a bridge can…

• Support lips and cheeks to restore attractive facial shape.
• Optimize oral health by decreasing stress on gums and other tissues caused by missing teeth.
• Decrease gum disease risk.
• Improve speech clarity.

The Dental Bridge Process
The process to attach a dental bridge usually requires two or three appointments:

• Preparation: Dr. Cranham will remove some enamel and dentin from the teeth on either side of your gap and take an impression of your smile to ensure precise fit of your bridge. A skilled technician at a trusted lab will create your bridge to fit seamlessly into your existing smile.
• Attachment: Dr. Cranham will crown the teeth on either side of the gap, then permanently attach your dental bridge to renew your smile and improve your oral health.

What will my bridge be made of?
Dr. Cranham uses gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials to create bridges. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal and delivers a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

How do I take care of my bridge?
Brush and floss as you would your natural teeth. Proper oral hygiene is very important because your bridge relies on healthy, neighboring teeth for support.