A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally “bridges” the gap between the remaining natural teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap (known as abutment teeth) and one or more false teeth (called pontics) that fill in the space. These false teeth can be made from various materials, including porcelain, gold, or a combination of both.
Types of Dental Bridges:
- Traditional Bridge: The most common type, where the pontic is held in place by crowns on the abutment teeth on both sides of the gap.
- Cantilever Bridge: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the gap. The pontic is supported by a single crown.
- Maryland Bonded Bridge: A metal or porcelain framework is bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth instead of using crowns.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: An alternative when there are no healthy adjacent teeth to support the bridge, using dental implants to anchor the bridge.
Why a Bridge?
A bridge will restore your bite and smile and is not removable. A dental bridge allows you to eat, drink, chew, and talk normally. With your bite corrected, you also prevent future damage to your jaw and other teeth that come with tooth shifting as a result of that missing tooth.