A dental bridge is a mode of tooth replacement that anchors a false tooth between two surrounding teeth. Bridges replace missing teeth and offer not only support for the surrounding teeth but prevent them from moving or shifting in the mouth. It helps retain the integrity of the jaw and face structure. This method of tooth replacement eliminates aesthetic concerns associated with tooth loss and restores the function of your teeth is the primary concern. A bridge allows the dentist to replace lost teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant. The disadvantage is that the teeth next to the space have to be prepared in a similar way to a crown in order to accept the bridge.

A Permanent Bridge is permanently bonded in place, unlike a partial denture (sometimes called a removable bridge); patients cannot remove them. There are three main kinds of bridges. In a traditional bridge, the pontic ("false tooth") is fused between the two crowns of the abutment teeth on either side. In a Maryland bridge, a metal band (hidden from view) binds the pontic to the abutment teeth. A cantilever bridge is necessary when there is an abutment tooth on only one side of the pontic. Maryland bridges work best when the teeth are front teeth adjoining healthy teeth that do not have large fillings.

A Permanent Bridge is usually anchored to the teeth on both sides of the space from the missing tooth. This gives the bridge strong support. Brushing a bridge is no different than brushing natural teeth, but special flossing instructions are given to keep the bridge and surrounding tissue healthy.

To design a bridge, a dentist must first shrink, then reshape the teeth to make room for the crowns. The dentist then makes a mold of the teeth. This mold is then sent off to a laboratory, where the actual crowns and bridge are made.

With proper oral hygiene, bridges can last up to ten years. However, improper or infrequent brushing and flossing, irregular dental visits, and excessive sugar and starch intake can all bring untimely damage to the bridge.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three types of dental bridges:

Traditional Bridge: This type of dental bridge work consists of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth in between. Traditional bridges are the most commonly used type of dental bridge and are made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal (PFM). If there are no surrounding teeth to support the crowns, dental implants can be used to fix the bridge in place.

Cantilever Bridge: This type of dental bridge is used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap in the mouth. Two crowns fused to the replacement tooth are used to fix the bridge to the adjacent natural teeth.

Bonded Bridge: This type of dental bridge is made up of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal framework. The bonded dental bridge is generally lower in cost than other types of bridges and is the most simple to apply.

Q. What is a bridge or fixed bridge?
 
A bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth. It is called a fixed bridge because it is not removable. A bridge is a structure, supported by teeth on either side of a space. It spans the gap between teeth, just as a bridge spans a river. It spans the gap between teeth, just as a bridge spans a river.

Q. How to care and repair dental bridges?

It is important to take proper care of your dental bridge to extend its life and maintain the health of your gums and natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, in addition to regularly scheduled dental exams, will keep your dental bridge and oral health in top condition.

If your dental bridge is in need of repair, it is recommended that you visit a dentist as soon as possible to fix the problem. Delaying repairs may negatively affect your bite, cause gingival discomfort or infection, or create other serious dental heath issues requiring additional treatment.