A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration also known as a fixed dental prosthesis. A bridge is made up of two dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and a false tooth ( or multiple teeth ) in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by your natural teeth or dental implants.

Types of dental bridges

There are three main types of dental 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 either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.

Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This is not very common any more and is not recommended in the back of the mouth where it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.

Maryland bonded bridges ( also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge ) are made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Metal or porcelain wings often on just one side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.

The Procedure

Preparation. During the first visit for getting a dental bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared. Preparation involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab. Your dentist will make a temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made.

Bonding. During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual’s case. If the dental bridge is a fixed bridge, your dentist may temporarily cement it in place for a couple of weeks to make sure it is fitting properly. After a couple weeks, the bridge is cemented into place.

What are the benefits of dental bridges ?

  • Restore your smile.
  • Restore the ability to properly chew and speak.
  • Maintain the shape of your face.
  • Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.
  • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

Video animation of the procedure of installing dental bridge

 

Make an Appointment Today!