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What
is a bridge?
A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural
missing teeth, thereby "bridging" the space between two
teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented into place next to the "abutment"
teeth - the surrounding teeth on either side of the space, or "span."
Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken
out of the mouth by the patient. A fixed bridge is a device that
typically consists of three units-a pontic (a false tooth) fused
between two crowns that are cemented onto the abutment teeth.
Who
should get a bridge?
If you are missing any teeth and are committed to maintaining good
oral hygiene practices, you may be a good candidate for a bridge.
A bridge is the most natural choice to fill the space in your mouth
left by missing teeth. If left unfilled, this space can cause the
surrounding teeth to drift out of position and can cause teeth and
gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease that
can cause further tooth loss. Fixed bridges not only correct an
altered bite, improve your chewing ability and speech, but they
also safeguard your appearance by preventing the collapse of your
facial features that can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.
What
type of bridges are there?
Besides traditional bridges, another popular design is the resin
bonded or "Maryland" bridge, primarily used for the
front teeth. This is usually the most economical choice when the
abutment teeth are healthy and don’t contain large fillings.
The pontic is fused to metal bands that can be bonded to the abutment
teeth with a resin cement and hidden from view, reducing the amount
of preparation on the adjacent teeth.
A cantilever
bridge may be used if there are teeth on only one side of the
span. This involves anchoring the pontic to one side over one or
more natural, adjacent teeth. If there are no adjacent teeth to
act as anchors, your dentist may recommend root replacement therapy
(implant) - a metal post that is surgically imbedded into the bone
and capped with a crown as an abutment.
In some
cases where the span is large, your dentist may recommend a removable
partial denture or even an implant-supported prostheses.
What
procedures are involved?
For a traditional fixed bridge, the first appointment consists
of the dentist reducing the adjacent abutment teeth that will act
as anchors. Impressions are made, from which a metal framework,
including the pontic, is created. By the second appointment, the
final bridge is fitted over the teeth.
The
total treatment time is usually between two or four weeks, depending
on the type of bridge. However, because it is often difficult to
match the natural shade of your teeth, the treatment time may be
longer.
How
do I care for a bridge?
With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss
and see your dentist regularly. If you do not control the buildup
of food debris and plaque—the sticky film of bacteria formed
from food acids— your teeth and gums can become infected, requiring
further treatment and resulting in possible loss of the bridge.
Your dentist may also recommend using floss threaders that help
remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and
adjacent teeth and gums. If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care,
you can expect your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10 years,
or even longer.
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