Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
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Bridges
What is a Bridge?
A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural
missing teeth, thereby "bridging" the space between two teeth. Fixed
bridges are cemented into place next to "abutment" teeth- the
surrounding teeth on either side of the space or "span." Unlike
removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth by
the patient.
A fixed bridge is a device that typically consists of three units- a pontic (a false tooth) fused between two crowns (see diagram) that are cemented to abutment teeth.
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Three Unit Bridge |
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Bridge In Mouth |
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Cosmetic Dentistry
.Tooth Anatomy.
Do I need a bridge?
If you are missing any teeth and are committed to maintaining good
oral hygiene practices, you may be a good candidate for a bridge. A bridge is
the most natural choice to fill the space in your mouth left by missing teeth.
This space can cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position and can
cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease
that can cause further tooth loss. Fixed bridges not only correct an altered
bite, improve your chewing ability and speech, but they also safeguard your
appearance by preventing the collapse of your facial features that can cause
premature wrinkles and age lines.
Find out more about "Do I need a bridge?" here
What types of bridges are there?
Besides traditional bridges, another popular design is the resin
bonded or "Maryland" bridge, primarily used for the front teeth. This
is usually the most economical choice when the abutment teeth are health and
don't contain large fillings. The pontic is fused to metal bands that can be
bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin cement and hidden from view, reducing
the amount of preparation o the adjacent teeth.
A cantilever bridge may be used if there are teeth on only one side of the span. This involves anchoring the pontic to one side over one or more natural adjacent teeth. If there are no adjacent teeth to act as anchors, your dentist may recommend an implant- a metal post that is surgically imbedded into the bone and capped with a crown as an abutment.
In some cases where the span is large, your dentist may recommend a removable partial denture or even an implant-supported prosthesis.
What procedures are involved?
For a traditional fixed bridge, the first appointment consists of the
dentist reducing the adjacent abutment teeth that will act as anchors.
Impressions are made from which a metal framework including the pontic, is
created. By the second appointment, the final bridge is fitted over the teeth.
The total treatment time is usually between two and four weeks, depending upon the type of bridge. However, because it is often difficult to match the natural shade of your teeth, the treatment time may be longer.
How do I care for a bridge?
With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss and see
your dentist regularly. If you do not control the buildup of food debris and
plaque- the sticky film of bacteria formed from acids in foods- your teeth and
gums can become infected, requiring further treatment and resulting in possible
loss of the bridge. Your dentist may also recommend using floss threaders that
help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent
teeth and gums.
If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10 years, or even longer.
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