BRIDGES
A bridge is a device used
to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. A typical
bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding
crowns (abutments). Once complete, this bridge structure is bonded into
the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing
teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, lead to occlusion (biting) and/or
jaw problems, and may spur periodontal disease. Bridges safeguard the integrity
of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.
THE
PROCESS
Bridges usually require
two trips to the dentist's office. During the initial visit, the surrounding
teeth are numbed with a local anesthetic. The dentist prepares the surrounding
teeth by cleaning any plaque or decay that remains and reducing them so
that the crowns can be fitted. The dentist makes a mold of the teeth and
sends it off to a dental lab where the customized impression is prepared.
The customized mold takes one to two weeks to return to the office. In
the interim, patients are fitted with a temporary bridge constructed of
acrylic resin. When the patient returns to the dental office, the dentist
removes the temporary bridge and replaces it with the permanent one. The
dentist then adjusts the bridge for the proper bite and fit, and the bridge
is permanently bonded into the mouth.
TYPES
OF BRIDGES
There are several different
types of bridges. The first is a fixed bridge, which consists of a filler
tooth (referred to as a pontic) that is attached to two crowns. The crowns
fit over the existing teeth to hold the bridge in place. The fixed bridge
is the most popular bridge.
Another bridge design is
a composite bond, known as a "Maryland" bridge. This type of bridge is
commonly used to replace the front teeth. The pontic is attached to metal
bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth and the metal bands are hidden
with a white-colored composite resin.
A cantilever bridge is often
used when there are teeth on only one side of the span. A typical 3 unit
cantilever bridge consists of two abutment crowns that are positioned side
by side on the same side of the missing tooth space. The pontic is then
connected to the two crowns, which extend into the missing tooth space.
If the missing tooth space
has no surrounding teeth, the dentist may decide an implant is the most
appropriate choice. Please refer to Dental Implants in the Patient Education
Library for more information. When a series of teeth are missing, the dentist
may suggest a partial denture as the most effective way to maintain the
structure of the jawbone and teeth.
PROPER
MAINTENANCE
Special care must be given
to insure that the gum line and area surrounding the new structure is kept
clean. This is especially true because the pontic and crowns are constructed
as a single piece. Special floss is often necessary to clean underneath
the teeth and maintain strong, healthy gums. With proper dental care, bridges
can last up to 10 years. |
