Restorative Dentistry » Bridges

• Besides having dental implants, there are two main ways to replace missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth – a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge.
• A dental bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base.
  
  If the bridge will show, porcelain is then bonded to the base. Sometimes, there are other non-precious metals used in the base to reduce the cost.
• You should replace missing teeth for a number of reasons. Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side.
• A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease.






What is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

•     Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
•     Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?

There are three main types of bridges:

•     Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a     pontic in between.
•     Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or     ceramics.
•     Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
•     Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge) are made of plastic teeth and gums supported by a     metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teet
• « Back to Restorative Dentistry