WebMD Medical Reference in collaboration with
Dental Health: Bridges
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing
teeth.
A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of
the gap -- these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth -- and a false
tooth/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 natural teeth or implants.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Bridges:
- Restore your smile
- Restore your 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
What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
There are three main types of 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.
-
Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a
Maryland bridge) are made of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal
framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing
teeth.
What Is the Process for Obtaining a Dental Bridge?
During the first visit, 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 your teeth are made,
which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made
by a dental laboratory. Your dentist will make a temporary bridge for you to
wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your bridge is being made.
During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new
permanent 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 (permanent) 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 permanently cemented into place.
Next: How much do dental bridges cost? »
- Dental Crowns - Get information about types of dental crowns (permanent, temporary, porcelain), problems (cap falls out, pain, broken or loose crown) and procedure cost.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) - Read about temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) causes, symptoms (headaches, jaw popping, ear pain, dizziness, tinnitus), diagnosis and treatment (surgery, medications).
- Dentures - Get information about complete and partial dentures, costs, problems, types of denture adhesive, and how dentures are made. Plus, get tips on getting used to dentures.
Latest Medical News
Oral Health RSS