All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A 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.
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, also known as partial dentures, are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re 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’s 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 dental bridge or fixed partial denture?
A 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 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.
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Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. When a tooth or teeth are lost and not replaced the adjacent teeth as well as the teeth above or below the space will begin to shift causing domino effect of tooth movement. 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 as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
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Request An AppointmentHow is a dental bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment the doctor 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. 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 precious or non-precious metal. Our office only provides high noble metals inside your porcelain fused to metal crowns. These type of metals are the most durable and most accurately cast crowns making them the best available to dentistry and the patient.
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.
Patient Testimonials
Read dental patient reviews and testimonials for Morristown Dental Associates in Morristown, New Jersey.
Staff is excellent! I asked Bobbie many questions and she never once made me feel like I was a bother. Hygienist Deb was very careful during cleaning asking me how I was doing every step of the way. Doctor Corsella is by far the best dentist I have been to in my 64 years. Very caring and communicative. Made me feel like my dental care was something I was participating in instead of something that was happening to me. Would very highly recommend care at this practice!
Michael T. - Patient since 2022
The medical team in this office are highly skilled professionals who consistently make their patients’ dental health their highest priority. Treatment options and procedures are explained in detail so patients can make well-informed decisions. The support staff is cheerful, organized, and always helpful.
Carol F. - Patient since 2021
Terrific practice that I highly recommend. Dr. Carrara is a perfectionist who is knowledgeable, highly skilled and an excellent communicator. Office staff is experienced, helpful and courteous. Deb, the hygienist, is kind and gentle. She makes getting a cleaning virtually painless.
Michele B. - Patient since 2003
My dental care has been excellent at this practice. Dr Carrera has done an excellent job with his treatment plans and the results have have been great. The staff is also excellent including the dental assistants and the ladies at the front desk doing scheduling and administrative activities. Very professional and friendly staff . Would highly recommend this practice to family and friends.
John R. - Patient since 2020
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Phone
973-538-3456Address
Morristown Dental Associates
Richard J. Carrara, D.M.D Vincent J. Corsello, D.M.D Joshua Perlman, D.M.DThe Medical Center at James Street
261 James Street, Suite 3B
Morristown, NJ 07960
Office Hours
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Call Us Today! 973-538-3456