Bridges

When you lose a tooth, it affects not just the appearance but the function of your smile.

• It can be difficult to eat or speak naturally
• Extra stress is put on your remaining teeth
• You’re at greater risk for developing gum disease
• Your remaining teeth can shift out of position, causing bite problems
• The shape of your face and jaw can change over time

A bridge is a restoration that will help you maintain your oral health while making your smile complete again.

Bridges use prosthetic teeth to “bridge” the gaps caused by missing teeth. These false teeth are known as pontics and are crafted from metal, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal. Pontics can be matched in size, shape, and color to the teeth they are replacing for a natural appearance. A bridge can replace up to four teeth but is typically used to replace one or two.

There are four common types of bridges and the type of bridge that is best for you will depend on your preferences, your oral health, the location and the number of missing teeth, cost, and other factors. Because a bridge requires healthy teeth, gums, and bones for long-lasting and successful restoration, any dental problems will need to be treated beforehand.

Traditional Bridge

Traditional bridges are fixed in place and are anchored by crowns placed on the healthy teeth on each side of the gap. First, the two supporting teeth, known as abutment teeth, are prepared for crowns. This requires removing part of the tooth structure and creating an impression of each tooth. Crowns are created from these impressions and are attached on each side of the artificial tooth, creating the bridge. The crowns are then cemented to the prepared teeth, securing the entire bridge unit in place.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is used when there aren’t teeth available on both sides of the missing tooth to serve as abutment teeth. In this case, a healthy tooth on one side of the gap can be fitted with a crown to hold a single pontic. Because the pontic is only attached on one side, cantilever bridges aren’t recommended for the rear of the jaw, where chewing forces are much more powerful, and the extra stress can damage the abutment tooth over time.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge is a more conservative treatment than a traditional bridge because there is no need for crowns to hold the bridge in place. A pontic is created with two wings made of resin, porcelain, or metal attached to its back. These wings are then bonded to the backs of the two abutment teeth. This type of fixed bridge is often used to replace one or two front teeth; it’s not strong enough to replace molars. Because no crowns are necessary, a Maryland bridge is generally more cost-effective than other options.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is a bridge attached to dental implants. Posts are surgically implanted in the jawbone and, over a period of months, fuse with the bone, providing an exceptionally strong foundation for a bridge. The number of implants needed will depend on the location of the bridge (upper or lower jaw), the number of pontics, and the quantity and density of the bone.

Once the implant posts have healed and are well-integrated into the jawbone, metal or ceramic abutments are secured to the posts. The bridge is then secured to these abutments. The bridge can be fixed or removable for easier cleaning.

While this type of bridge is often the most expensive option, implant-supported bridges help protect jawbone health. Without the stimulation of biting and chewing, the bone ridge under a missing tooth begins to lose density and shrink. Implants stimulate bone tissue just as natural teeth do to preserve bone strength and density.

You have many options for replacing a lost tooth. Your dentist can help you determine which type of bridge is best suited to restore your healthy, confident smile.

Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. Your existing teeth are used to literally create a bridge to cross the area where your tooth is missing. Bridges are made from gold, metal, alloys, or porcelain to ensure that they are strong and durable.

The process of creating a bridge begins by creating abutments out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are recontoured to provide a base for the bridge. After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken of the area which is sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of two crowns on either end to place on the abutments and a pontic, which is the new tooth that replaces your missing tooth.

We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas and look more appealing than having a missing tooth. When the permanent bridge has been created, you will have a follow-up visit to set up the bridge. It will be placed on the abutments, and the dentist will then use an adhesive to make sure that the bridge is set.

The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days, it should feel like you have your own teeth back again. You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your bridge placed. After the initial phase, you will be able to eat whatever you want with no issues.

If you are missing a tooth, you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as make it difficult to eat or speak properly. Set up an appointment today to restore your smile.