Dental Bridges

Are you bothered by a gap in your smile caused by missing teeth? If so, you may make a great candidate to receive a dental bridge. When it comes to bridges, you have quite a few types to choose from. So without further ado, let’s take a close look at dental bridges and how they may be able to help improve your smile.

What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?

Sometimes known as a fixed partial denture, a dental bridge is a type of restoration used for filling in the gap left by missing teeth. Bridges are normally made from dental crowns that are cemented to a tooth near the gap. As the name suggests, “bridges” bridge the gap between teeth. 

Why do I need a bridge?

Your dentist may recommend that you get a dental bridge because of:

  • Periodontitis
  • Advanced gum conditions
  • Congenital missing teeth

How is a bridge attached?

Dental bridges are attached using a variety of methods. The way that your individual bridge is attached depends upon its specific type.

What materials are used?

Bridges are available in a variety of materials, such as:

  • Gold-ceramic
  • Metal-ceramic
  • Zirconia

Dental Bridge Options

Here are a few common types of dental bridges:

Traditional Bridge

This is the most commonly used type of dental bridge. To create the bridge, your dentist will place an artificial tooth into an empty socket. They would use dental crowns to support it and attach it to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges are useful for replacing one or more teeth.

Cantilever Bridge

With a Cantilever bridge, your dentist would place an artificial tooth into the gap and support it using a crown that is attached to one side of the gap. Cantilever bridges make a good treatment choice when you only have healthy teeth on one side of a gap.

Maryland Bridge

This type of bridge involves the placement of a false tooth that is supported by a porcelain or metal framework. No dental crown is required with a Maryland bridge. If you don’t have healthy teeth on either side of the gap in your smile, your dentist may recommend this type of bridge.

Implant-Retained Bridges 

This is an extremely stable type of bridge because it is supported by dental implants that are placed directly into the jawbone. Your dentist may recommend this type of bridge if your surrounding teeth are unstable or damaged.

How do I take care of my bridge?

Taking care of your dental bridge involves a bit more work than with your natural teeth. You want to keep up with your routine brushing and flossing. To prevent accumulations of plaque, you will want to do more flossing both around and under your bridge. This ensures that your bridge remains healthy and that your abutment teeth remain free from plaque.

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