A dental bridge is one of the options for replacing missing teeth. When someone has a gap caused by missing teeth, the gap can be unsightly and cause more dental problems. The natural teeth near the gap can shift and negatively impact the person’s bite and cause uneven wear of the remaining teeth. Dental bridges are partial dentures that are permanently attached to the teeth on each side of the gap.
The dental bridge has false teeth to replace the missing teeth. The three main types of dental bridges are called traditional bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and cantilever bridges. These dental bridge types differ in how they are designed to connect to the remaining teeth to form a permanent replacement for missing teeth.
A traditional bridge is a false tooth held in place with crowns on the teeth on each side of the gap. The false tooth or teeth is firmly connected to the crowns. A cantilever dental bridge is secured to only one tooth. A Maryland bonded bridge is secured to the teeth by bonding a metal clip to the teeth surrounding the gap.
To make a bride, the dentist first takes impressions of the person’s teeth. The impressions are used by the dental laboratory to construct the bridge. The dentist may make a temporary bridge to fill the gap until the permanent bridge is finished. After the bridge has been made, another dentist appointment is necessary for the removal of the temporary bridge and installation of the permanent bridge. The dentist may temporarily cement the dental bridge to give the patient a test period to ensure the bridge functions and fits properly before permanently securing the bridge.
Dental bridges may need to be replaced every ten to fifteen years. Proper dental care is necessary to prolong the life of the dental bridge and keep the other teeth and gums healthy. Some people are hesitant to get bridges for fear that the bridge will interfere with eating and speaking. However, the bridge usually makes eating and speaking easier than these activities are with missing teeth.
The patient should discuss the treatment options with the dentist to determine which solution to missing teeth is ideal in terms of cost, function, and cosmetic concerns. Dental implants and partial dentures are alternatives to dental bridges.
