When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth often shift into the open space created by the missing tooth. This can cause severe tooth misalignment, as well as malocclusion. Additionally, when a patient is missing a tooth in the lower jaw, teeth in the upper jaw can actually move down into that space when the mouth is closed. This places immense and prolonged stress on the teeth and jaw, and results in severe pain, discomfort, and long-term damage. Missing teeth also frequently cause decay in adjacent teeth, and open spaces can lead to bone loss and even changes in a patients facial bone structure, since the jawbone will collapse over time in the event of missing teeth. 

A dental bridge is a cost-effective alternative to dental implants, and can be used to replace two or more missing teeth. Most of our bridges are made from a false tooth that is cemented in place between crowned teeth on either side of the open space. When bonding the false tooth to the crowned teeth (abutment), Dr. Lampee first sends the impression out to our state-of-the-art in-house dental lab, where we create the bridge. In addition to restoring complete oral function in the event of a lost tooth, a dental bridge in Beaverton, OR, corrects gaps in a patient’s smile, and prevents healthy teeth from moving and developing additional complications, such as malocclusion.