Dental bridges are a proven way to help those with missing teeth regain their smile, improve their ability to chew and speak, and keep other teeth from drifting. The device installed in the mouth is known as a “bridge” because it actually bridges the space left by one or more missing teeth and fills it with a prosthetic.
In creating this bridge, crowns are made for the teeth on either side of the gap, which is the anchoring teeth. A false tooth is set in between so that the supporting teeth with the crowns will keep it in place. The false tooth, or pontic, can be created to fit using various substances, including combinations of gold and porcelain.
There are three main types of dental bridges available. The most common is the traditional bridge, which places a false tooth between two crowns that are then attached to the anchor teeth. Maryland bonded bridges use a porcelain or metal framework to support plastic or porcelain teeth. This bridge uses wings on each side to attach to the existing teeth. Cantilever bridges, which are not common, are constructed for situations where there are supporting teeth only on one side.
If you are in need of dental bridges, or would like to learn more about them, please contact Dana Walters DDS today.