Dental bridges are used to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. There are two types of dental bridges: fixed and removable. A traditional fixed bridge attaches to surrounding teeth on each side with crowns and is placed in one appointment. A removable bridge comes in two pieces that can be removed for cleaning and replaced at any time.
Table of Contents
A dental bridge is a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic tooth that is supported by two natural teeth on either side. The natural teeth are prepared to support the bridge, which consists of an artificial crown (front) and two fake teeth (wings). A dental bridge can be used in combination with other treatments if you’re missing more than one tooth.
The main advantage of bridges is that they don’t require any additional removal of healthy tooth structure. Because the supporting teeth are left untouched, there’s also no need for bone grafts or implants as it would be needed when replacing lost teeth with dentures or dental implants.
In addition, bridges are often slightly more affordable than other ways of replacing lost teeth.
A dental bridge can be either fixed or removable.
A dental bridge can be either fixed or removable.
- A fixed bridge is cemented to your natural teeth and supported by crowns that are placed on each end of the missing tooth.
- A removable bridge has a metal framework, usually a shiny metal called porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), that holds the artificial teeth in place. The framework is held in place by brackets bonded to your natural teeth.
The teeth that support the bridge are called abutment teeth. The most common type of abutment is a tooth that has been prepared so that the artificial tooth can be attached to it. This type of preparation is called a “pontic”.
A dental bridge must be well-designed to fit perfectly in your mouth and blend with natural teeth for comfort and appearance.
A dental bridge must be well-designed to fit perfectly in your mouth and blend with natural teeth for comfort and appearance. To begin, your dentist will take a mold of your mouth that is used as a guide when creating the custom-fit bridge.
A dental bridge consists of two crowns (also called abutments) made of porcelain fused to metal (ceramic) which are cemented into place on either side of the gap, with a false tooth attached between them by way of porcelain fused to metal (ceramic).
The base of the bridge may rest against multiple teeth on either side, or it may rest only on one tooth. If there is more than one tooth involved in supporting the false tooth at its point(s) of contact with other teeth, this will be indicated by brackets placed around those teeth during placement or by adding a small post inside their canaliculus (tiny hole).
The longevity of a traditional bridge depends on how well you take care of it and on the health of the underlying gums and bone.
- Regular dental checkups.
- Brushing and flossing daily.
- Avoiding sugary foods and drinks, smoking, and getting enough sleep to promote oral health.
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help keep your teeth healthy. You should also limit your intake of foods high in sugar, such as candy and soda. Smoking is another factor that contributes to gum disease and tooth loss.
Most people with a fixed bridge cannot floss between the prosthetic tooth and its supporting teeth, so your dentist may recommend an interdental brush or water flosser to help prevent decay from plaque accumulation under the bridge.
After your bridge is placed, your family dentist may recommend that you use an interdental brush or a water flosser to help prevent decay from plaque accumulation under the bridge.
However, if you have a fixed bridge and are unable to floss between your teeth and the prosthetic tooth (because it is held in place with cement), most people find using an interdental brush difficult because it easily gets stuck on their gums and needs constant repositioning. A water flosser provides more maneuverability for cleaning around braces and other orthodontic appliances.
See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations so that we can monitor your bridge and surrounding teeth for problems.
When you have a dental bridge, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations so that we can monitor your bridge and surrounding teeth for problems.
Regular visits are especially important if you have a dental bridge because these devices are not indestructible. They can break or chip, or decay underneath the porcelain. If this happens, the entire bridge might require replacement.
A regular cleaning is essential to help detect such problems early so they don’t become more expensive to fix later on down the line!
If you have a dental bridge or are considering getting one, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations so that we can monitor your bridge and surrounding teeth for problems. Regular visits are especially important if you have a dental bridge because these devices are not indestructible. They can break or chip, or decay underneath the porcelain. If this happens, the entire bridge might require replacement
Conclusion
Dental bridges are a great way to replace a missing tooth. They offer many benefits, including stability and comfort. If you’re looking for an alternative to dentures or dental implants, then dental bridges could be the perfect solution.
