Dental Bridges

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss does not necessarily have to occur as you age. But if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.

Dental Bridge Options

A bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges) or they can be removable (removable bridge).

Removable bridges attach to the teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. Fixed bridges come in several forms, depending on the location of the gap, how many teeth are missing, and the condition of the surrounding teeth. Patients comparing ways of replacing missing teeth may also want to consider implants or dentures depending on their needs.

TRADITIONAL BRIDGES

A traditional bridge is supported by dental crowns placed over the natural teeth on both sides of the gap. This approach may work especially well when those neighboring teeth already need crowns or are healthy enough to support the restoration.

MARYLAND AND CANTILEVER BRIDGES

A Maryland bridge is bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth, so those teeth usually don’t need to be reshaped as much as they would for a traditional bridge. This type of bridge may be considered for missing front teeth for this reason.

A cantilever bridge uses just one neighboring tooth for support, so it works better in some areas of the mouth than others.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGES

When several teeth are missing in a row, an implant-supported bridge may be another option. Instead of relying on nearby natural teeth, the bridge is anchored to dental implants placed in the jaw. This can provide strong support while also helping to preserve the bone in that part of the jaw.

What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?

A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.

Why do I need a bridge?

Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.

Dental health is one of the main reasons to replace a missing tooth. Your teeth are meant to work together, so an open space can put added pressure on the surrounding teeth and affect how your bite comes together.

Over time, nearby teeth may also begin to shift into the gap. That movement can make certain areas harder to clean and create new problems for your overall oral health.

DENTAL BRIDGES VS. DENTAL IMPLANTS

Bridges and dental implants can both replace missing teeth, but they work in different ways. A traditional bridge gets its support from nearby teeth, while a dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone and can support a crown or implant-supported bridge.

That difference can matter for bone health. Because implants interact with the jawbone, they can help limit the bone loss that often follows tooth loss. Traditional bridges don’t provide the same type of stimulation.

Implants also tend to require a longer treatment process because the implant needs time to heal and bond with the bone. If bone loss has already occurred, bone grafting may sometimes be needed before implant placement.

The right choice depends on your specific needs and oral health. Dr. Allen can evaluate your teeth, gums, jawbone, goals, timeline, and budget to help determine which treatment makes the most sense for you.

How is a bridge attached?

The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Allen will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.

Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth so the bridge can be made to fit properly and line up with your bite. Those impressions are then sent to a dental lab, where the bridge is created.

A temporary bridge may be placed while the final restoration is being made. Once the permanent bridge is ready, Dr. Allen will check its fit, bite, and appearance before cementing it into place.

A temporary bridge may be placed while the final restoration is being made. Once the permanent bridge is ready, Dr. Allen will check the fit, bite, and appearance before securing it in place. The false tooth, or pontic, fills the gap, while crowns on the neighboring teeth provide support.

What materials are used?

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either a precious or non-precious metal.

How do I take care of my bridge?

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.

You’ll also need to clean beneath the artificial tooth, where food and plaque can collect. A floss threader or water flosser can make this area easier to reach.

Regular dental exams and cleanings are important as well. They give your dental team a chance to check the bridge, supporting teeth, and gums before small problems become more serious. It’s also a good idea to avoid chewing on ice or other very hard objects that could damage the restoration.

With good home care and regular dental visits, a bridge can continue to look and function well for many years.

FIND THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOUR MISSING TEETH

If you’re missing one or more teeth, Allen Dental Group can help you compare your replacement options. Depending on your needs, alternatives may include dentures, bridges, or implant-supported restorations.

Whether a traditional bridge or an implant-supported restoration is the better fit, you’ll know what the process involves before moving forward. Contact Allen Dental Group today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward restoring your smile.