What
is a 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.
How
is a dental bridge constructed?
As the name of this appliance implies, the
bridge is made out of three pieces that fit into the open
space in the mouth, "bridging" the gap. Most
bridges are made of a pontic tooth (or false tooth), held
together by two crowns (a "cap" that covers the
tooth, approximating its normal size and shape). This
trio is then attached (cemented) to the abutment teeth
(the surrounding teeth of each side of the gap).
Who
is a candidate for bridges?
Nearly everyone who has one or more missing
teeth is a candidate for a dental bridge. However, the
difference between proper and improper oral hygiene is,
generally, what determines the success of the dental
bridge.
What
are the different types of dental bridges?
There are several different types of dental bridges. Your
dentist or oral health specialist will recommend the most
appropriate one for your mouth condition and the location
of the missing tooth or teeth.
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 trio 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 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, or other oral health specialist, may
recommend using a floss threaded for
hard-to-reach places between the bridge and its
adjacent teeth.
- Have your teeth
cleaned every 6 months by an oral health
professional.
- 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 last 8 to 10
years with proper oral hygiene
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