Dental Bridges

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. These appliances are cemented into place and cannot be removed by the patient.

How is a dental bridge constructed?

As the name of this appliance implies, the bridge is made out of three pieces that fit into the open space in the mouth, "bridging" the gap. Most bridges are made of a pontic tooth (or false tooth), held together by two crowns (a "cap" that covers the tooth, approximating its normal size and shape). This trio is then attached (cemented) to the abutment teeth (the surrounding teeth on each side of the gap).

Who is a candidate for bridges?

Nearly everyone who has one or more missing teeth is a candidate for a dental bridge. However, the difference between proper and improper oral hygiene is, generally, what determines the success of the dental bridge. The teeth that will support the bridge must be in good periodontal health.

What are the different types of dental bridges?

There are several different types of dental bridges. Your dentist or oral health specialist will recommend the most appropriate one for your mouth condition and the location of the missing tooth or teeth.

• Traditional bridge - as described above, this bridge consists of a pontic (false) tooth held together by two crowns. The trio is cemented to the surrounding teeth on each side of the gap.

• Resin-bonded bridge (also known as a Maryland bridge) - this type of bridge involves fusing the pontic (false) teeth to metal bands that are bonded to the back of the abutment teeth with a resin cement. This type of procedure is common when the teeth missing are in the front of the mouth.

• Cantilever bridge - this type of procedure is most appropriate when there is only one abutment tooth on either side of the span.

Oral health care and bridges

The following recommendations will help to eliminate, or reduce, any oral health problems while your teeth are bonded by a bridge:

• Brush your teeth carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, as food may become lodged, causing the gums and teeth to become infected. This may lead to further complications resulting in the loss of the bridge.

• Floss daily. Your dentist, or other oral health specialist, may recommend using a floss threader to carry floss under the pontic (false) tooth so that it and the abutment teeth can be cleaned.

• Have your teeth cleaned every six months by an oral health professional.

• Limit your sugar and starch intake, as debris left behind from these types of foods may turn into damaging acids, which, in addition to promoting plaque formation, may also be harmful to teeth and gums.

• Avoid hard and/or sticky snacks. This includes foods such as popcorn, hard or chew candy, caramel, and/or nuts.

Most bridges last more than 10 years with proper oral hygiene.