Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. These appliances are cemented into place and cannot be removed by the patient.

As the name of this appliance implies, a bridge caps or covers 2 or more teeth that are cemented into the open space in the mouth, "bridging" the gap. Most people who have one or more missing teeth are candidates for a dental bridge. Proper care and maintenance, coupled with regular check-ups, ensure proper functioning of the appliance.

There are several different types of dental bridges. Your dentist or oral health specialist will recommend what is best for your optimum oral Some bridge types are:

• Traditional bridge - a pontic tooth (or false tooth) is held together by two crowns (a "cap" that covers the tooth, approximating its normal size and shape). This combination is then attached (cemented) to the abutment teeth (the surrounding teeth of each side of the gap).
• Resin bonded bridge (also known as a "Maryland" bridge) - this type of bridge involves the pontic (false) teeth being fused together to metal bands, bonded to the back of the abutment teeth with a resin cement. This type of procedure is common when the teeth missing are in the front of the mouth.
• Cantilever bridge - this type of procedure is most appropriate when there is only one abutment tooth on either side of the span.

Oral health care and bridges:

The following recommendations will help to eliminate, or reduce, any oral health problems while your teeth bonded by a bridge:

• Brush your teeth carefully after every meal with high fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, as food may become lodged causing the gums and teeth to become infected. This may lead to further complications resulting in the loss of the bridge.
• Floss daily. Your dentist, hygienist or other oral health specialist, may recommend using a floss threader for hard-to-reach places between the bridge and its adjacent teeth.
• • Have your teeth cleaned every 3 – 6 months by your hygienist.
• Limit your sugar and starch intake, as debris left behind from these types of foods may turn into damaging acids, which, in addition to promoting plaque formation, may also be harmful to teeth and gums.
• Avoid hard and/or sticky snacks. This includes foods such as popcorn, hard or chew candy, caramel, and/or nuts.

Most bridges can give you long term rehabilitative options for missing teeth if properly cared for.