When teeth are missing and there are teeth on either side of the space a bridge is the ideal way to replace the missing teeth. Replacement teeth can be attached to two crowns constructed for the two teeth on either side of the open space, this is called a bridge because it bridges the open space.

The space left from missing teeth may cause one of several problems. Teeth may drift into the space changing your bite. This changed bite may result in sore jaws, gum disease, or decay (due to more difficult hygiene). Bridges are not removable by the patient. As with other types of crowns (caps), a bridge can be made of metal, gold or porcelain, or a combination of these two. In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space.

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth, not to mention your appearance, so it is vital to replace any that are lost.

Who is a candidate for dental bridges?

Restoring oral functionality is the most important reason for a bridge. If you have missing teeth and have good oral hygiene practices, you should discuss this procedure with your cosmetic dentist. If spaces are left unfilled, they may cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position. When teeth naturally designed to support each other are missing, unusual stress is placed on the gums and other oral tissues, and there is a high risk of developing gum disease and a number of other potentially harmful disorders.

When teeth naturally designed to support each other are missing

These can include;

• The tooth opposing the missing tooth can start to extrude from its socket.
• The missing tooth can cause chewing problems.
• Problems can develop with the TMJ.
• It is much harder to clean the teeth that have shifted, and this may cause further tooth loss through the advancement of periodontal disease or tooth decay.

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Types of Dental Bridges

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal. There are three types of dental bridges:

1. Traditional Fixed Bridges

Fix Bridges Procedure

 

A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. There two crowns holding it in place that are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.

2. Resin Bonded Bridges

The resin bonded is primarily used for your front teeth. Less expensive, this bridge is best used when the abutment teeth are healthy and don't have large fillings. The false tooth is fused to metal strips that are bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin which is hidden from view. This type of bridge reduces the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth.

Resin Bnded Bridges

 

3. Cantilever Bridges

In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. This procedure involves anchoring the false tooth to one side over one or more natural and adjacent teeth.

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Fix Bridges Procedure

It takes two or three appointments to restore your mouth with a bridge. This is because the bridge must be custom hand-crafted in a dental laboratory to precisely fit your bite and teeth.

These are the steps necessary to produce your new bridges:

Fix Bridges Procedure

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Caring for Your Bridge

Brushing
Brush after each meal. Brush the surfaces and sides of your bridge like you do your natural teeth Use an interdental brush to clean between large spaces.>>How to brush your teeth

Flossing
Floss at least once a day to clean food and bacteria from between teeth and at the gum line. It is not possible to floss between the replacement tooth and the attaching crowns (it is made as a solid piece). In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to use a special type of floss to go under the replacement tooth and keep this area of gum tissue healthy. Special thick floss can help keep your bridge clean. And floss threaders help you floss under a fixed bridge.

Dental Visits
See your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. These dental visits help keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Your dentist can also check to be sure there are no problems with your bridge. If you do notice a problem, especially if your bridge is loose, call your dentist right away. Never try to fix your bridge yourself.

 

Advantages of dental bridges: Bridges can reduce your risk of gum disease, help correct some bite issues and even improve your speech. Bridges require your commitment to serious oral hygiene, but will last as many ten years or more. Appearance is another important reason for wearing a bridge, which helps to support your lips and cheeks. A missing tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older. Missing teeth can also cause speech disorders since they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly. Disadvantages of having dental bridges: It is common for your teeth to be mildly sensitive to extreme temperatures for a few weeks after the treatment. The build up of bacteria formed from food acids on your teeth and gums can become infected if proper oral hygiene is not followed.

Your bridge can help make chewing comfortable again. It can also let you feel confident about your smile. Take the time to care for your restored teeth. Keep your mouth healthy and your teeth will stay looking and feeling good. Bridges are natural in appearance, and usually require only two or three visits to your dentist. If you maintain good oral hygiene, your fixed bridge should last as many as ten years or more.

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