Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth. It consists of a false tooth, known as a ‘pontic’, which is flanked by two crowns. The pontic slots neatly into a gap left by a missing tooth whilst the two crowns fit over teeth on each side of the pontic. The bridge is secured with bands or dental cement.
If properly cared for, a dental bridge will last for up to 15 years.
There are 3 types of dental bridges, which are:
- Cantilever bridge: used when there are teeth on one side of a gap (previously occupied by a tooth). This bridge is fixed to these teeth and, as a result, is only suitable for minimal stress situations. Mainly used on the front teeth.
- Fixed bridge: a traditional form of bridge and the most commonly used. It consists of a pontic and two crowns and is fixed permanently in place.
- Resin-bonded bridge: also known as a ‘Maryland bonded bridge’. This bridge does not contain any crowns – just a plastic false tooth which is inserted into a space between the front teeth. It is held in place with metal bands which are bonded to the teeth using cement or resin.
Dental bridges are fabricated from porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold.
REASONS FOR A BRIDGE
A bridge is an acceptable solution to the problem of missing teeth. The loss of a tooth or several teeth may not seem that important, but it can have serious ramifications. Tooth loss causes the remaining teeth to drift inward, displacing them and leading to further problems, e.g., tooth decay, periodontal disease, and malocclusion.
The empty socket in the jawbone loses density, which results in a smaller, thinner jaw, affecting your ability to eat and speak. It also causes the facial muscles to sag inwards, which has a negative effect on your appearance.
This is why it is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
DENTAL BRIDGE PROCEDURE
A dental bridge is fitted in two stages. More.
The first stage: the dentist will reshape the teeth on either side of the gap to prepare them to receive the bridge. This is followed by taking an impression of your teeth using dental putty, which serves as a blueprint for your bridge.
This impression is sent away to a dental laboratory where it is used to fabricate new crowns and your bridge. You will be fitted with a temporary bridge in the meantime.
The second stage: the dentist removes the temporary bridge and replaces it with your new, permanent bridge. It is checked and adjusted before being cemented in place.
You will be asked to visit on several occasions so that the condition and fit of the bridge can be checked.
- Alternatives to a bridge are dentures, dental implants or implant-retained bridges. More.
Bonding: Bonding is a general term commonly used to refer to tooth-coloured filling materials. We use bonding to replace old mercury/silver fillings and to fill in gaps that are causing cosmetic problems.