Bridge Specialist

Missing teeth often make eating and speaking clearly a challenge, and can take a toll on your self-esteem and social life. If you have one or more missing teeth, Miri Kim, DMD, places a bridge in your mouth to give you the full set of teeth and beautiful smile you deserve at Tru Plano Dental in Plano, Texas. Call to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.

Bridge Q & A

What is a bridge?

A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth to bridge the gap in your mouth where original teeth use to be. Bridges are made of porcelain, alloys, or gold, and attach to crowns placed on surrounding teeth for support. Benefits of bridges include:

• A more attractive smile
• Better chewing ability
• Improved speech
• Higher self-esteem

Dr. Kim lets you know if you’re a good candidate for a bridge, and which type bridge best matches your needs.

What are different types of bridges?

There are several main types of dental bridges, including:

BONDED BRIDGES

Bonded bridges are made of porcelain fused to metal. Dr. Kim bonds metal wings attached to a bridge to your existing teeth. She may use a bonded bridge to replace missing front teeth.

TRADITIONAL FIXED BRIDGES

A traditional fixed bridge consists of two or more crowns connected by an artificial tooth or teeth. Dr. Kim attaches crowns to your surrounding teeth to secure the bridge in place. This type of bridge is the most common, and is often made of porcelain or ceramic.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGES

An implant-supported bridge is like a traditional fixed bridge, but is supported by implants instead of your natural teeth. This type of bridge is beneficial if you have multiple missing teeth and require artificial teeth to support a bridge.

Dr. Kim surgically inserts posts into your jawbone to hold new crowns in place. During a subsequent appointment, she places a bridge connected by crowns on the implants.

REMOVABLE BRIDGES

A removable bridge isn’t permanent, but is a partial denture you can remove and put back into place as needed.

What should I expect during bridge placement?

Receiving a dental bridge is often a two-step process. During your first appointment, Dr. Kim prepares your natural teeth by reshaping them to fit crowns. She also takes impressions of your teeth. If you require implant-supported bridges, she surgically implants posts into your jawbone.

Dr. Kim places a temporary bridge for you while a dental lab prepares your permanent custom-made bridge. When it’s ready and after your mouth heals if you’ve had implant surgery, you’ll schedule another appointment.

During this next visit, Dr. Kim removes your temporary bridge and secures a new permanent bridge in place using cement.

Which type of bridge is right for me?

After evaluating your teeth and going over your medical history and preferences, Dr. Kim lets you know which type of dental bridge best matches your needs.

When you’re ready to bridge the gap of missing teeth to improve the appearance and function of your smile, call Tru Plano Dental today or book an appointment online.