Dental bridges are literal bridges that hold a false tooth in place between two natural teeth. They can be used to replace one or several teeth, and are hard to distinguish from your natural teeth. Bridges are a great alternative to more serious dental surgery, but you should understand exactly how they work before you select a bridge to correct a dental condition.
Function
Bridges work by literally bridging the gap between two teeth. They are attached to teeth on either side of the space where you are missing teeth. Generally, bridges are permanent fixtures in your mouth and can be brushed just like normal teeth.
Features
A dental bridge is constructed of two porcelain crowns that fit over the teeth on either side of the space left by your missing teeth. These crowns and the false teeth between them are all the same color. Bridges are usually cemented into place by firmly fixing the crowns to the adjacent teeth.
Benefits
A dental bridge has some major advantages over partial dentures, which are often confused with bridges. Dental bridges can help prevent gum disease and correct some bite issues. They can even improve your speech if you have an impediment due to missing or misaligned teeth. They are also relatively quick to get, requiring only two trips to the dentist in most cases.
Types
Dental bridges come in two main types: cantilevered and pontic, or fixed. A cantilevered bridge is used when you are missing a partial row of teeth. This type of bridge is fixed to another tooth on only one side of the bridge. It can be used only in sturdy areas of the mouth like the front teeth. Pontic, or fixed, bridges are secured on both sides.
Misconceptions
Many people recall watching their grandparents popping some or all of their teeth out of their mouths for brushing. Often people think that these removable false teeth are bridges because they appear to bridge the gaps between teeth. However, these teeth are partial dentures. Bridges are permanent fixtures in the mouth, unless something goes wrong with the installation.
Warning
If you have sensitive teeth, then dental bridges may not be for you. Dental bridge installation can cause tooth sensitivity for several weeks after the treatment. Also, if you have infected or infection-prone gums, you must be extremely careful to follow all oral hygiene requirements that accompany your bridge, or you can end up with serious gum disease.
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