When you have one or just a few missing teeth, you can have a permanent replacement without surgery by getting a dental bridge. A dental bridge is sometimes confused with a partial denture. A partial denture is removable, but a dental bridge is permanently attached to surrounding teeth. A bridge can replace one to three teeth and give you back your smile and full chewing function without having a removable denture.
A traditional dental bridge has one, two or three artificial teeth, called pontics, which are positioned between two dental crowns on the ends. In your mouth, the teeth that are on either side of the gap where the missing teeth were are called the abutment teeth. These teeth are reduced and shaped so that the crowns on the bridge will fit over them. The entire bridge is placed in your mouth, with the pontics filling the gap and the crowns fitting over the abutment teeth. The bridge is permanently cemented into place and does not come out.
The process of getting a bridge usually takes two appointments at the dentist’s office. At the first appointment the abutment teeth are prepared, and sometimes a temporary bridge is placed that you can wear while your permanent bridge is being made at a lab. At the second appointment, the permanent bridge is placed.
Another type of bridge, called a cantilever bridge, can replace missing teeth that have natural teeth on only one side. The crowns on a cantilever bridge are on only one side of the pontics. This type of bridge is not as common as a traditional bridge and is not recommended for teeth at the back of the mouth because it puts excessive stress on the abutment teeth.
A bonded bridge is a third type of bridge that uses resin to bond the bridge to the teeth. This type of bridge requires less preliminary work on the abutment teeth, but it also requires that the surrounding teeth be strong and healthy.
A dental bridge can usually replace one, two or three missing teeth. When a person has more than three teeth missing, a partial removable denture is usually recommended.
A bridge relies on its surrounding teeth to support it, and in turn, it can put pressure on the other teeth. With proper care, a bridge can last for 5 to 10 years and possibly longer. When you have a bridge it is important to continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly and keep appointments for regular dental checkups.
