I have a bridge of 4 teeth. After a year or so a 2 millimeter gap opened between my tooth and the bridge?

I am middle aged, so the reason may have something to do with aging. It makes my smile kinda spooky, beside sometimes my skin get clipped in the gap, which hurts and pretty embarrassing, too. A dentist told me that enamel would help, with the cost of $800 or more.


What are the solutions to make the gap disappear? Are there any less expensive ways to do it? (I have no dental insurance)

I have a bridge of 4 teeth. After a year or so a 2 millimeter gap opened between my tooth and the bridge?
I am kind of confused too. Is there a smooth transition from the crown to the tooth, and there is just divets or scooping effect under the tooth? If so, the dentist can use Glass Ionomer (best material) or Resin (looks the best). Those usually run the same as a 3 surface filling. Is it a gap at the margin of the crown and the tooth? If so, 2mm is really large, I would not attempt to repair that at all, but if your dentist thinks it is o.k. to do a repair there are a few options they could use. Amalgam, gold foil, or glass ionomer are all options you can use and they will be the same as a 2 surface filling. Sorry I don't know how much your dentist charges for those, so I don't want to give you a number that might be higher or lower.
Reply:I'm a little confused, is this gap under the pontics where they rest on the tissue, or where the crowns are attached to the teeth and the tissue has receded?





We know it's not a denture, that would involve more than 4 teeth. A bridge is completely different since it is fixed or cemented in the mouth and can't be removed. Is this a partial denture (some patients mistakenly call these "bridges") that can be taken in and out of your mouth?


If you would like to give a little more information, such as can this come out of your mouth or is it a fixed prosthetic, which teeth (front/back, upper/lower) where the gap is located (above the fake teeth or at the crowned teeth or any other information) what tissue gets caught (the lips or cheek tissue) with this, I'll be happy to give you my opinion and advice. I can tell you this, if this is a bridge and is only a year or two old, there is a problem with it or when it was made. Hopefully you will add additional information to this question.





Dr. Katie.....the remark about "enamel" and "$800.00" has me thrown off. The dentist may be talking about a new partial at that price.





Additional information: If this bridge is only a year or two old, and has been causing this problem all along, then it was not contoured correctly when it was made, that is why it's catching your tissue. You should have the dentist who made this, have it made over using a "new impression." I don't believe I would settle for this one to be repaired by having the lab add procelain to this bridge. It would be unlikely that he could get it off for this repair to be done. This should be remade at "No Charge" to you. Don't let this dentist tell you other wise. He should be ashamed wanting to charge you $800.00 for a job the lab will do for free or under $30.00 that is "if" he can get the bridge off in one piece without fracturing porcelain or pulling your teeth out with it. You may want to consult another dentist about this and be sure to check your dates on how old this bridge is. Good luck and sorry I couldn't be of more help. But please don't settle for this work, I can't believe a reputable dentist would even try to do that.





Also make sure to keep the tissue and bridge extra clean, with a space this size it can allow for plaque build up or food to remain packed under the bridge and cause these abutment teeth to decay more easily.
Reply:The gums do have a tendency to shrink as we age. That's why dentures often have to be relined or replaced, and I suppose that's the same way with bridges. Having a gap like you described is not only unsightly, but uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, you really need to see your dentist and have something done about it. The situation can only get worse. I realize dental work is terribly expensive, and even dental insurance doesn't pay the entire cost. Do you have a dental school in your area? Sometimes they have clinics where the students do the work, supervised by a dentist. It is usually slower, but considerably less expensive. But if going to your dentist is the only alternative, most doctors and dentists will accept payments, so you don't have to be out the entire amount all at once. However, I urge you to correct the situation for the sake of your health, comfort and appearance. Surely, those things are worth far more than the $800. Good luck! Incidentally, I have bridges also, but mine are fairly recent. If I have problems in the future, I fully intend to get them corrected. So I practice what I preach.
Reply:From your description I'm assuming front teeth. I can also assume pre and post bridge work your gums showed when you smile. I too had bridges and when my gums receded my dentist filled the gap with an amalgam. It could not be seen when I smile, so it worked for me. If your dentist is replacing the fascia for $800. That sounds expensive. Crowns and bridges have limited duration, so consider the anticipated benefit of replacement verses restoration.


Mine did not fail until I lost dental coverage. I can tell you from experience the base of existing teeth deteriorate quickly when exposed. I recommend you negotiate a payment plan or dental clinic and resolve this as soon as possible. My partial plate looks good, but is not as comfortable as bridges. Save your teeth. Good Luck.

leather sandals