Porcelain Bridges

Whenever you cruise across a bridge over the water, you're being supported by the same principles that hold a dental bridge. Crowned teeth on either side of a space are called abutments. They support an artificial tooth, called a pontic. While a bridge lasts for many years, sometimes the strain of supporting one or more missing teeth can cause the abutments themselves to weaken and may lead to more missing teeth.

A Better Bridge

In many cases, dental implants offer a better alternative, eliminating most of the load-bearing strain you see in traditional abutments. When carefully placed in the bone, an implant mimics the root of a tooth. They bear the load that the natural teeth used to hold, sparing the neighboring teeth from excessive forces. In some cases, two implants may be used to build a bridge spanning from one solid titanium piece to another.

Although the planning becomes more complicated with larger spaces, Dr. Cabrera-McLaughlin knows how to bring the puzzle pieces together to fit any scenario. Regardless of the scope of your treatment, the steps are similar to deliver a functional, brilliant smile.