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A dental bridge is a dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth. It does this by permanently joining adjacent teeth by using dental implants.
Since there are many different types of dental bridges available. It all depends on how the dental bridge is fabricated. It also depends on how it anchors onto the adjacent teeth. Dental bridges are most commonly made by being fabricated outside of the mouth in a dental lab and cemented in afterward.
Dental bridges are fabricated by reducing the teeth on either side of the missing tooth (or teeth). The two anchoring teeth are called an abutment. The abutment teeth are reduced in size to accommodate the material being used to restore the size and shape of the original teeth. It is important that the abutment is incorrect alignment and contact with the opposing teeth.
The false teeth that are made are called pontics. They can be made from porcelain, gold, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials.
Once the teeth are prepared, an impression is taken and sent off to a lab for processing. To protection your teeth a temporary restoration is made while the final bridge is being processed. Once returned, the temporary is removed, and the final bridge is permanently cemented into place.
A dental bridge restores your teeth function and maintains your smile aesthetics, but it also prevents the surrounding teeth from drifting out of position. It also fills the spaces that would otherwise leave surrounding teeth susceptible to tooth decay.
The best candidate for a dental bridge is a person with one or more missing teeth and good dental hygiene. Special attention to hygiene at home will need to be taken, especially flossing under the bridge. Dental visits, including professional hygiene appointments, should be maintained as recommended.
