A dental bridge is a type of false tooth called a pontic. Two porcelain crowns surround this tooth and it is fused in place. A dental bridge is intended to fill a gap caused by a missing tooth.
When an individual has a fixed dental bridge, the two crowns that hold the false tooth are attached to healthy, adjacent teeth. A fixed bridge is designed to remain in the mouth and cannot be removed and replaced like partial dentures. A fixed dental bridge may be used to replace just one tooth or several.
Another type of dental bridge, called a cantilever bridge, is used to replace a missing tooth in an area of the mouth that receives less physical stress. For example, a cantilever bridge may be used to replace a missing front tooth. This type of dental bridge is used when just one side of the empty space caused by an absent tooth has remaining healthy teeth. With a cantilever bridge, the false tooth is anchored to one or more natural teeth.
A resin-bonded dental bridge is typically used to replace missing front teeth. It is often used when the adjacent teeth are healthy and free of large fillings. In such cases, the false tooth is attached to metal bands. These metal bands are then fused to the adjacent teeth using resin. The resin is kept hidden, providing a natural look. Resin-bonded dental bridges require less adjacent-tooth preparation than that necessary for fixed bridges.
A dental bridge can definitely improve the smile of an individual with a missing tooth. However, dental bridges have more to offer than just aesthetic appeal. They can prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting out of position and fill spaces that would otherwise leave surrounding teeth susceptible to tooth decay. They may even be helpful in lowering susceptibility to gum disease.
The best candidate for a dental bridge is a person with one or more missing teeth and good dental hygiene. An individual with a dental bridge will need to brush and floss daily and limit sugar and starch intake. Hard and sticky snacks should be avoided as well. Dental visits, including professional cleanings, should take place every six months. With proper dental hygiene, a dental bridge can last from eight to 10 years.
