What is a Dental Bridge?

Consider the dictionary definition of a bridge. A structure that spans a physical obstacle. As we can often see that might be a river, a valley or certainly a gap. Such is the same in dentistry. You may have experienced an unfortunate accident in which you lost a tooth or a decision was made in the best interests of your overall health to extract a tooth. The end result is you now have a gap in your teeth. A gap that needs to be filled or the neighboring teeth will shift into that gap with the negative result of changing your bite pattern. Of course, there is always the undervalued smile that is a victim as well. A dental bridge is an easy way to fill that gap. Let’s look at the four different types of dental bridges available today.

The Different Types of Dental Bridges Available

The four types of dental bridges start with the Traditional Bridge. This is the most common method used today. The second type is the Maryland Bridge. Much like the traditional bridge only a different approach to the two anchor or abutment teeth on each side of the gap. The third dental bridge is the Cantilever Bridge. This is when you only have one tooth to anchor the artificial tooth to. The final type is if you lose three teeth. The middle tooth will be replaced by a dental implant and then two traditional bridges will go from the implant to your two natural teeth.

How the Dental Bridge Works

With the traditional bridge the two anchor teeth will have their outermost layer of enamel removed so they can accept crowns. An impression is made and a dental lab will make the bridge. The gap, in all cases, is filled by an artificial tooth called a pontic. The pontic and the crowns are fabricated from either porcelain or enamel. The pontic is affixed to the two crowns. When back from the lab the dentist will cement the crowns on to the two abutment teeth and the gap is filled. The Maryland bridge uses a wire framework to affix the pontic to the two abutment teeth. The benefit is that your two natural teeth remain normal. The disadvantage is the brushing and flossing challenges. The cantilever bridge uses the same concept only affixing the artificial tooth to only one anchor tooth. And the Implant Supported Bridge is just that. An implant is necessary to span a much wider gap.

The Benefits

We mentioned your natural teeth wanting to drift into that gap and that movement abated with a bridge. This is an unappreciated health benefit. The ability to bite and chew again is another benefit. There is the quality of your smile. Your smile is also undervalued. Your smile can literally be the foundation for your self-esteem and your self-confidence. A dental bridge can last up to 10 years. In some situations, it is a segue to a dental implant at a later date. In any case, a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment.

More on Dental Bridges : What is a Maryland Dental Bridge?