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Bridges
A bridge is one of the options that you have when deciding how to deal with a missing tooth or teeth. The replacement of missing teeth is necessary in order to maintain your smile as well as proper mouth functions. Tooth loss can affect the way you eat, speak, and the alignment of other teeth in your mouth.
Types of Tooth Supported Bridges
A tooth supported bridge, by definition, is a link or connection between two permanent teeth that border a space or gap caused by missing teeth. The restorative teeth (called pontics) attach to the permanent, natural teeth on either side of the gap. This bridge acts as your new teeth, filling the gap and restoring your smile. Bridges are often constructed of gold or metal foundations with tooth colored porcelain fused on top of the foundation. A well designed tooth supported bridge will support the normal chewing functions.
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 porcelain fused to metal. New technology holds promise for porcelain fused to a ceramic substructure.
- 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 or a Maryland bridge) are made of porcelain teeth and gums supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth. Maryland bridges have limited use as they have been proven to have a lack of durability in most situations.
Procedure
The procedure begins with preparation of the natural teeth, or abutments. The abutment teeth are shaped so that the ends of the bridge will fit precisely over each tooth abutment. The next step is an impression of the area. The impression is sent to our professional dental laboratory where your new restoration will be crafted. While your new bridge is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. Our temporary restorations will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or unattractive tooth.
During your second visit to the office, your final restoration will be placed. Your bridge will be fitted comfortably into the mouth It will be snug against adjacent teeth and feel perfectly normal when your chew. We will make every effort to ensure that the contours of your new bridge feel exactly like your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to cement the bridge into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.
Bridges Supported by Dental Implants
If you have multiple missing teeth resulting in a large gap, a tooth supported bridge may not be a viable solution. Inadequate tooth support for a bridge is the primary cause for its failure.
Dental Implants can often be used to replace missing teeth. Instead of replacing all the missing teeth with implants, which can become very expensive and technically challenging, the missing teeth may be replaced with implants that support bridges. These restorative plans reduce the cost and often result in improved esthetics and gum health. Be sure to read about implants in the appropriate section!
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