Missing teeth are not only unattractive, but they can also lead to gum decay and deterioration of your jaw bone. Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is one way to improve your smile and your oral health. A dental bridge is used to restore missing teeth. They are permanent and allow people to regain bite function and proper chewing impaired by their tooth loss. They also provide support for neighboring teeth, gum tissue, and the jaw bone. If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be a candidate for a dental bridge.

Types of Dental Bridges

The type of bridge your dentist recommends depends on the missing tooth’s location, as well as the condition of the neighboring teeth. One of these three may be recommended:
• Cantilever — Used when you have only one neighboring tooth available for support.
• Traditional — Three pieces make up a traditional bridge used to fill the open space between your teeth. Your dentist uses a pontic, or false, tooth, and two crowns. The crowns are placed on either side of the new tooth to anchor and support it. In this way the pontics between the two crowns fill the gap.
• Resin-bonded — Also known as the “Maryland” bridge,” metal bands are fused with the false tooth and bonded to the abutment teeth. The metal bands are hidden from view. Preparation on the neighboring teeth is minimal.

Procedure
The procedure usually only takes two visits.

On your first appointment, your dentist will prepare the neighboring teeth to receive their crowns. An impression is made of your teeth and the surrounding area of your mouth. The impression is sent to a lab where the bridge, crowns and pontic are made.

Your dentist will give you a temporary bridge to wear until you return for your second appointment, when the custom bridge will be permanently cemented into place.

Protecting Your Bridge

Bridges can last many years with care. Keep them brushed and flossed just as you would with natural teeth. Because the neighboring teeth are still susceptible to decay, you should use a soft-bristle brush. Limit your intake of sugar and starch, and try to avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage the bridged teeth.

About the Author

If you are missing one or more teeth, and are in the Boulder, Denver, or Fort Collins, Colorado area, please contact Dr. Mark Birnbach to discuss how you might benefit from a dental bridge.