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What Is a Fixed Bridge and When Do You Need One?

Written By West Georgia Family Dentistry on April 1, 2024

an animated image of fixed bridge teeth

A fixed bridge is a dental bridge that is fixed in place using dental crowns. You may need a fixed bridge if you have one or more missing teeth or need to have more than one tooth extracted. At West Georgia Family Dentistry, our dentists have extensive experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. We can place a fixed bridge in Douglasville, GA, to improve your smile and prevent oral and dental health problems. 

What Is a Fixed Bridge?

A traditional fixed dental bridge consists of one or more prosthetic teeth that are fixed into place using dental crowns. A cantilever bridge is a fixed bridge that is supported by a crown on the adjacent tooth and no tooth on the other side of the bridge. This restorative dental procedure can replace missing teeth while looking subtle and natural in appearance.

When Is a Fixed Bridge Needed?

We may recommend a fixed bridge if you are missing one or more teeth. A fixed bridge is an alternative to dentures, dental implants, or living with missing teeth. If you don’t replace missing teeth, your remaining teeth may start to gradually shift into the empty spaces. This can cause malalignment and malocclusion, jaw pain, and trouble eating and speaking. In severe cases, you may develop facial deformity.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Fixed Bridge?

A fixed bridge replaces missing teeth, enhancing your smile, confidence, and self-esteem. They offer a natural-looking, long-term solution for missing teeth and restore your ability to chew, eat, and speak. They also prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting. 

What Is the Process for Placing a Fixed Bridge?

We will consider your age, how many teeth you are missing, the condition of your remaining teeth, and your overall dental and oral health before recommending a dental bridge. We will then give you local anesthesia so that you don’t experience any discomfort while we reshape your teeth and take impressions. We will then place a temporary bridge while we wait for your permanent one to be constructed. At a second office visit, we will remove the temporary bridge and check the fit of your permanent bridge and fix it into place using dental cement.

Learn More About the Benefits of a Fixed Bridge in Douglasville, GA

If you have one or more missing teeth and want to learn more about the benefits of getting a fixed bridge, visit us at West Georgia Family Dentistry. Our experienced dentists and dental team will evaluate your oral and dental health and determine the safest, most effective, and most natural-looking solution for your smile and health. Contact us to schedule an appointment.


Posted In: Dental Bridges