Dental Bridges are used to replace missing teeth by permanently joining them to neighboring teeth or dental implants. The false tooth (or teeth) is fused in between two crowns or adjacent teeth that serve as anchors by attaining to the teeth on each side of the false tooth, and thereby bridging them together. A dental bridge is always custom made to fit the missing space and the teeth or crowns surrounding that space.

Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth as one might do withremovable partial dentures. Bridges can improve your appearance and correct some bite issues. For some patients, they can even improve the speech. Types of dental bridges vary from Cantilever bridges to resin-bonded bridges and each type has their own specification and pros and cons.

Why should you get Dental Bridges?

Bridges can improve your appearance and correct some bite issues. For some patients, they can even improve the speech. If the patient has spaces left unfilled, the surrounding teeth might drift out of position. Spaces from missing teeth can also cause the other teeth and gums to become more vulnerable for tooth decay and gum disease.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

Dental bridges are always custom made to fit your needs. The dentist first prepares the adjacent teeth or crowns and trims away a small area in order to accommodate the crown. After that, the dentist will make an impression, serving as a model from which the bridge (the false tooth and crowns) is made in a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge will then be placed in the space for the patient to wear until the next visit. This will protect the teeth and gums. At the second visit to the dentist, the temporary bridge is removed and exchanged to the custom-made permanent bridge, which will be cemented to the patient’s teeth. Multiple visits are often required to check and adjust the fit.

How long do Dental Bridges lasts?

With proper oral hygiene and care dental bridges will last more than ten years.

Types of Bridges

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are generally used in the areas of your mouth that are under less stress (such as your front teeth). Cantilever bridges are used when there are only teeth on only one side of the open space. With this procedure, the dentist anchors the false tooth to one side over one or more natural and adjoining teeth.

Resin-bonded bridges /Maryland-bonded bridges

Resin-bonded bridges are primarily used when the supporting teeth are healthy and lacking large fillings. This is a less expensive bridge, where the false plastic tooth is fused to metal bands that are bonded to the adjacent teeth with a hidden resin. With this method, there is much less preparation needed on the supporting teeth.

Traditional Fixed Bridges

This is the most commonly used type of dental bridge and consist of a pontic (artificial crown) fused between two porcelain crowns that are anchored on adjacent teeth or implants. The pontic is usually made of porcelain or ceramics. The fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the patient’s mouth.