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What is a bridge?
A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural
missing teeth, thereby "bridging" the space between
two teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented into place next to the
"abutment" teeth--the surrounding teeth on either
side of the space, or "span." Unlike removable partial
dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth by
the patient.
A fixed bridge is a device that typically consists of three
units--a pontic (a false tooth) fused between two crowns that
are cemented onto the abutment teeth.
Who should get a bridge?
If you are missing any teeth and are committed to maintaining
good oral hygiene practices, you may be a good candidate for
a bridge. A bridge is the most natural choice to fill the
space in your mouth left by missing teeth. If left unfilled,
this space can cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of
position and can cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible
to tooth decay and gum disease that can cause further tooth
loss. Fixed bridges not only correct an altered bite, improve
your chewing ability and speech, but they also safeguard your
appearance by preventing the collapse of your facial features
that can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.
What type of bridges are there?
Besides traditional bridges, another popular design is the
resin bonded or "Maryland" bridge, primarily used
for the front teeth. This is usually the most economical choice
when the abutment teeth are healthy and don't contain large
fillings. The pontic is fused to metal bands that can be bonded
to the abutment teeth with a resin cement and hidden from
view, reducing the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth.
A cantilever bridge may be used if there are teeth on only
one side of the span. This involves anchoring the pontic to
one side over one or more natural, adjacent teeth. If there
are no adjacent teeth to act as anchors, your dentist may
recommend an implant--a metal post that is surgically imbedded
into the bone and capped with a crown as an abutment. In some
cases where the span is large, your dentist may recommend
a removable partial denture or even an implant-supported prosthesis.
What procedures are involved?
For a traditional fixed bridge, the first appointment consists
of the dentist reducing the adjacent abutment teeth that will
act as anchors. Impressions are made, from which a metal framework,
including the pontic, is created. By the second appointment,
the final bridge is fitted over the teeth.
The total treatment time is usually between two or four weeks,
depending on the type of bridge. However, because it is often
difficult to match the natural shade of your teeth, the treatment
time may be longer.
How do I care for a bridge?
With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss
and see your dentist regularly. If you do not control the
buildup of food debris and plaque--the sticky film of bacteria
formed from food acids--your teeth and gums can become infected,
requiring further treatment and resulting in possible loss
of the bridge. Your dentist may also recommend using floss
threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces
between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums.
If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect
your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10 years, or even longer.
Sources:
Robert Margolin, DDS, FAGD; "An Update on Conventional
Fixed Bridges Part 1: Patient Assessment and Selection,"
by D.L. Gutteridge, et al., Dental Update, April 1994; Inlays,
Crowns and Bridges, by Leslie C. Howe, et. al., Butterworth-Heinemaann
Ltd., 1993; "Crown and Bridge Procedures: Success Begins
with Home Care," GP, Dec. 1992; Change Your Smile, by
Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS, Quintessence Publishing Co., Inc.,
1988; "Fixed Bridges and Crowns," American Dental
Association, 1985.
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