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Dental
Bridges
Q:
What is a bridge?
A: A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, which
is usually fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left
by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached
onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known
as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more
missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth
as you might do with removable partial dentures. Bridges can reduce
your risk of gum disease, help correct some bite issues and even improve
your speech. Bridges require your commitment to serious oral hygiene,
but can last as many ten years or more.
Q: Is it possible to have a porcelain bridge affixed to your
teeth without having any clasps or metal appearing?
A: Yes. If you are an appropriate candidate, a porcelain bridge
can look as natural as (or in many cases better than) your own teeth,
in color and shape, in proportion and alignment, with no clasps or metal
appearance. Some bridges are designed with a metal support structure
or a metal lining, covered with porcelain (porcelain-fused-to-metal
or PFM). At one point in time, most restorations were made this
way. When placed, they usually can often look opaque or "flat"
because they do not let light pass through like a natural tooth. There
can also be a tell-tail dark band showing through the teeth or showing
next to the gum-line that is undesirable (often the darkness invades
the adjacent gum tissue as an adverse reaction).
All-porcelain bridge restorations are what we chose to use unless there
is a compelling reason otherwise. Again, when properly seated,
they are virtually stronger than their metal predecessor and the appearance
can be identical to a natural tooth, allowing light to pass through
(referred to as translucency).
Q: Who is a candidate for a bridge?
A: If you have one or more missing teeth and have good oral hygiene
practices, you should discuss this procedure with your cosmetic dentist.
If spaces are left unfilled, they may cause the surrounding teeth
to drift out of position. Additionally, spaces from missing teeth
can cause your other teeth and your gums to become far more susceptible
to tooth decay and gum disease.
Q: How is a dental bridge placed?
A: We prepare your teeth on either side of the space for the false
tooth. You will be given a mild anesthetic to numb the area, and
then remove an area from each abutment (teeth on either side of the
space) to accommodate for the thickness of the crown. When these
teeth already have fillings, part of the filling may be left in place
to help as a foundation for the crown. We will then make an impression,
which will serve as the model from which the bridge, false tooth and
crowns will be made by a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge
will be placed for you to wear while your bridge is being made until
your next visit. This temporary bridge will serve to protect your teeth
and gums. On your second appointment, the temporary bridge will be removed.
Your new permanent bridge will be fitted and checked and adjusted
for any bite discrepancies. Your new bridge will then be cemented to
your teeth.
Q: Are there different types of bridges?
A: Yes. There are three types of dental bridges:
- Traditional
Fixed Bridge -- A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic,
which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area
left by a missing tooth. There are two crowns holding it in place
that are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth.
This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used
to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken
out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.
- Resin
Bonded Bridges -- The resin bonded is primarily used for your front
teeth. Less expensive, this bridge is best used when the abutment
teeth are healthy and don't have large fillings. The false
tooth is fused to metal bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth
with a resin, which is hidden from view. This type of bridge
reduces the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever
Bridges -- In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such
as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever
bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open
space. This procedure involves anchoring the false tooth to
one side over one or more natural and adjacent teeth.
Q:
What are the pros and cons of a bridge?
A: The advantages include that bridges are natural in appearance, and
usually require only two visits to place. If you maintain good
oral hygiene, your fixed bridge should last as many as ten years or
more. Some of the disadvantages of having a bridge include that
it is common for your teeth to be mildly sensitive to extreme temperatures
for a few weeks after the treatment. The build up of bacteria
formed from food acids on your teeth and gums can become infected in
proper oral hygiene is not followed.
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