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A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by "bridging" the gap created by the missing teeth, restoring function and appearance to your smile. A traditional bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, which are held in place by dental crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. These crowns serve as anchors for the bridge.
There are different types of dental bridges, including traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported bridges. Traditional bridges are the most common and involve placing crowns on adjacent teeth, while cantilever bridges are used when there is only one abutment tooth. Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth instead of crowns. Implant-supported bridges rely on dental implants instead of natural teeth for support.
Dental bridges offer several benefits. They restore the ability to chew and speak properly, maintain facial structure, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position. However, they do require good oral hygiene to prevent decay in the supporting teeth, and the lifespan of a bridge can vary, typically lasting 5 to 15 years or more with proper care.
Overall, dental bridges are an effective, durable option for replacing missing teeth and restoring dental function and aesthetics, providing patients with a reliable solution to tooth loss.
How do dental bridges compare to dental implants?
Dental bridges and dental implants are two different solutions for replacing missing teeth, each with its own characteristics and considerations:
Dental Bridges:
Structure: Consist of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns attached to adjacent natural teeth (abutment teeth).
Procedure: Requires preparation of abutment teeth by removing enamel, impressions for bridge fabrication, and fitting of a permanent bridge.
Advantages:
Types of dental bridges
There are three types of dental bridges that are commonly used today
Traditional fixed bridge - This is the most common type of dental bridge, in which porcelain crowns are placed over the two surrounding teeth and used as anchors to hold the prosthetic tooth in place. The false tooth is usually made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
Cantilever bridge – A cantilever bridge is used when teeth are present on only one side of the gap. These are used typically in areas of your mouth that doesn’t experience an intense chewing load, such as your front teeth.
Resin-bonded bridge - In a resin-bonded bridge, metal bands are bonded to the surrounding teeth with resin and used to hold a plastic false tooth in place. This type of bridge is typically used in areas of the mouth that undergo less stress, such as the front teeth.
A dental bridge restores your smile by filling gaps and improving the overall appearance. This can enhance your confidence and make you feel more comfortable smiling.
It also improves your ability to chew and speak properly. Missing teeth can hinder these functions, but a bridge can help restore them, making eating and talking easier.
Additionally, a dental bridge maintains the shape of your face. Missing teeth can cause changes in facial structure, but a bridge helps to preserve the natural contours of your face.
Moreover, a bridge prevents the remaining teeth from shifting out of position. This is important because shifting teeth can lead to bite problems and other dental issues.
Overall, a dental bridge is a reliable solution for missing teeth, helping to restore both functionality and aesthetics to your smile.
A minimum of two visits are required for placing a dental bridge. At the first visit, three important steps are completed. Firstly, the surrounding teeth are prepared to be fitted with a crown. This may including filing down the tooth so that the crown can fit over it. Secondly, an impression is taken of your teeth which will be sent to a laboratory to prepare the bridge and crown. Finally, the dentist fits your teeth with a temporary bridge to protect them while the bridge is prepared at the laboratory.
At the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the new bridge received from the laboratory is fitted and adjusted. Multiple visits may be necessary to check and adjust the fit.
Initial Consultation
The dentist examines your mouth, takes X-rays, and discusses the best type of bridge for your situation. Preparation of Abutment Teeth The dentist reshapes the abutment teeth by removing a portion of enamel to make room for the crowns.
Impression
An impression of your teeth is made to create a model for the bridge, pontic, and crowns. This model is sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge is made.
Temporary Bridge
While your permanent bridge is being made, the dentist will fit you with a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
Fitting the Permanent Bridge
Once the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is checked and adjusted for proper fit. Multiple visits may be needed to ensure a perfect fit. Cementing the Bridge If the fit is satisfactory, the bridge is permanently cemented into place.
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