Dental Bridges: Enhancing Function and Your Smile

As the name implies, a dental bridge is a device that fills in the space between teeth.  Bridges are made from two crowns, positioned on abutment teeth, on either side of the missing tooth (or teeth).  The bridge has a false tooth or teeth, known as pontics, placed between the abutments.  The bridges improve dental health and teeth’s appearance, making it easy to chew foods.

Types of Dental Bridges

Cantilever Dental Bridge:

This type of bridge only requires a crown on one end of the bridge. When placed, the artificial tooth will hang over or span the gap. These are most commonly used when you only have natural teeth on one side of the gap. This type of bridge is not as strong as the other options.

Implant-Supported Bridge:

For when you do not have natural teeth on either side of the missing teeth or when there are large gaps. The implants are put into the jawbone and simulate tooth roots and crowns. Dental implants are small threaded posts used to replace missing teeth. This type of bridge work requires several appointments and as many as six months to complete.

Maryland Dental Bridge:

Named for the University of Maryland team that designed them, this is most common when replacing front teeth. It is a resin-bonded bridge that implements metal wings rather than crowns. Your dentist will bond the wings to the back of neighboring teeth to support the bridge. You must have healthy natural teeth on either side of the bridge.

Traditional Bridges:

These are the most common bridges. Dentists use them to fill the space whenever there are gaps between natural teeth.

Why Get a Dental Bridge?

1. If you are missing one or more adult teeth
2. If a missing tooth or teeth are making it difficult to speak or eat correctly
3. To maintain the natural shape of your face
4. To keep teeth from moving

Is Caring for a Dental Bridge Difficult?

Caring for a dental bridge is not much different from taking care of your natural teeth. You should brush and floss twice daily and use a non-abrasive fluoridated toothpaste. However, there are some measures you can take to ensure your bridgework looks its best.

• Clean underneath the bridgework daily, using floss threaders or interproximal brushes.
• Avoid chewy or hard foods.
• See your dentist often.

If you have questions about existing bridgework or wonder if it would be a good choice for your smile, talk to the Raver Family Dental team today. We can answer your questions and concerns.