Dental bridges replace missing teeth. Specifically, they can replace one tooth or a row of missing teeth.
As the name implies, this appliance literally “bridges the gap” in your smile. Chatswood dentists can create custom bridges that match the shade of your natural teeth.
There are different parts that make up a dental bridge:
Abutments are the structures that support your dental bridge. While the term often refers to natural teeth, it can also refer to tiny connector posts used in dental implant-supported bridges.
Pontics are the artificial (false) teeth that fill in the gap left behind by missing teeth.
Depending on your situation and the type of bridge you receive, your bridge might consist of one or more abutments and one or more pontics.
Dental Bridge Types
There are four main types of dental bridges:
- traditional
- cantilever
- Maryland
- implant-supported
Traditional dental bridge
A traditional dental bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth being held in place by dental crowns that have been cemented onto each of the abutment teeth. A traditional bridge is the most popular type of dental bridge and can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth.
Cantilever dental bridge
Although similar to a traditional bridge, the pontic in a cantilever dental bridge is held in place by a dental crown that is cemented to only one abutment tooth. For a cantilever bridge, you only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap.
Maryland dental bridge
Similar to a traditional bridge, Maryland dental bridges employ two natural abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap. However, while a traditional bridge uses dental crowns on the abutment teeth, a Maryland bridge uses a framework of either metal or porcelain that is bonded onto the backs of the abutment teeth.
Like a traditional bridge, a Maryland bridge can only be used when you have a natural tooth on each side of the gap caused by the missing tooth or teeth.
Implant-supported dental bridge
As the name implies, implant-supported bridges use dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Typically, one implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position. If one implant for each missing tooth isn’t possible, the bridge may have a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns.
Considered the strongest and most stable system, an implant-supported bridge commonly requires two surgeries:
- one to embed the implants in the jawbone
- a second surgery to place the bridge
It can take a number of months for the procedure to be completely finished.
Should You Get Dental Bridges?
Not everyone is a good candidate for a dental bridge. You will need to talk to your Chatswood dentist about whether it would be beneficial for you to get a bridge.
Factors that make you a good candidate for a dental bridge include:
- Missing one or more permanent teeth
- Having overall good health (e.g., no serious medical conditions, infections, or other health problems)
- Having healthy teeth and a strong bone structure to support the bridge
- Having good oral health
- Can perform proper oral hygiene to maintain the condition of the dental bridge
Dental Bridge Procedure
How many visits you’ll need and the exact steps depend on the type of bridge you receive.
Traditional or cantilever bridge procedure
You’ll follow similar steps for either of these types. During your first visit:
- You’ll get medicine to make you comfortable.
- Your dentist will shape the teeth next to the gap, making them ready to support the bridge. This will involve grinding.
- Once the teeth are shaped, your dentist will take impressions that will shape your permanent bridge.
- You’ll get a temporary bridge until your next visit.
At your second visit, 2-4 weeks later, your dentist will:
- Take out the temporary bridge.
- Put in your permanent bridge, check how it fits, and adjust it as needed.
- Cement the permanent bridge in place.
Maryland bonded dental bridge procedure
This type of bridge also requires two dental visits. At the first one, your dentist will:
- Prepare your teeth where the metal wings will attach.
- Take dental impressions for your permanent bridge.
On your next visit, once your bridge is ready, the dentist will:
- Put in the bridge, check its fit, and adjust things if needed.
- Apply a solution to the supporting teeth that gets them ready for cement.
- Cement the wings of your bridge to the supporting teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can provide many benefits, including:
- Giving your mouth and smile a natural look
- Restoring your ability to speak normally, as missing teeth can make it hard to pronounce words (enunciate),
- Maintaining normal facial structure by preventing bone loss from the jaw at the site of the missing tooth or teeth
- Helping you chew food better
- Preventing adjacent teeth from moving into the empty space, which can cause problems with your bite and other complications
Risks of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges do have some disadvantages and potential risks that you should be aware of, including:
- Future damage to the abutment teeth can compromise the bridge.
- Bacteria and plaque can get inside a bridge or crown that does not fit well and cause tooth decay.
- Crowns can change the structure of your teeth and affect your bite.
- A bridge can collapse if the abutment teeth are not strong enough to support it.
- Abutment teeth can be weakened by the procedure(s) and may have to be replaced by dental implants.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
You can help your bridge last longer by taking good care of it. Among the steps you should follow:
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Brush your teeth and floss every day.
- Clean around your bridge using threaded floss and small brushes designed to clean between teeth.
- Stay away from hard or very chewy foods.
- Don’t chew on ice, pens, or other things that might damage your teeth.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste that isn’t abrasive.
Call your dentist if you have any of these problems:
- Your bridge is loose or cracked.
- It hurts to chew.
- Your teeth become sensitive, or your gums are sore or bleeding.
Dr. Geoff Atherton and Dr. William Yiu are dental implant dentists in Chatswood who are willing to answer your questions about dentures, dental bridge, dental implants, and other oral health needs when you come for an appointment. They offer a range of tooth replacement options. To request an appointment with one of our dentists, call (02) 9419 5412.