This is the most common type of dental bridge. The existing teeth are crowned with one or more pontics between and held in place by the crowned abutments. The crowns are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth to create a support structure or “bridge” for the missing teeth.
This type of bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, except that the structure is supported on only one side instead of both sides. This can cause the restoration to act as a “lever” and may create additional stress on the supporting tooth, causing it to be more likely to loosen or fracture.
Instead of using existing teeth to support a bridge, a dental implant may be substituted to provide support for one or both sides of a dental bridge. This is a popular option that can provide a very secure restoration. This solution is particularly helpful when there are several adjacent missing teeth.
This type of bridge is supported by a metal structure that is cemented onto the back of existing teeth. While not as strong as a traditional bridge, it can preserve the tooth structure of the adjacent teeth by avoiding the use of crowns for the abutments. It may not stay in place when heavy forces are placed on the restoration (such as biting and chewing) and does add pressure to the supporting teeth.
A dental bridge can help fill the gap if you have missing teeth. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth (or teeth) called a pontic and an abutment of two crowns or dental implants anchoring it on either side. Bridges can provide a seamless look and restore patients’ smiles.
Bridges are more comfortable to wear than partial dentures. Partial dentures may not always fit well and may damage the surrounding natural teeth. Bridges are generally less expensive than getting an individual implant for each missing tooth. Bridges enable a patient to chew and talk like natural teeth. They can also help prevent the “sunken look” in the cheeks caused by missing teeth. Finally, dental bridges improve a patient’s smile and help restore their confidence.
You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge if you have one to four missing teeth in a row. Ideally, the two abutment teeth on either side of the gap will be healthy enough to take crowns to support the bridge. If they are not, dentists recommend getting implants to anchor the bridge.
During the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the teeth to receive a bridge. Typically this involves placing crowns on two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. In some cases, you might need implants to anchor your bridge. The dental implant process is longer and involves several months of healing time before the dentist can place the bridge, but it will be permanent.
No food or drink is completely off-limits with a bridge. However, it would help if you took common-sense precautions to help it last longer and stay attractive.
Avoid staining beverages like coffee, tea, cola, and red wine as much as possible. Brush or rinse as soon as possible after drinking these beverages. Stay away from sticky gum and candy in the area of your bridge to prevent damage to the crowns.
You can care for dental bridges just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as your dentist recommends. Also, you will need to clean under your bridge daily using a floss threader, interproximal brush, or dental pick.
