Dental Bridges

Bridge the Gap with Dental Bridges

Dental bridges or fixed partial dentures are one method of replacing a missing tooth or teeth. The dental bridges act like permanent dentures, fillings in gaps between teeth by being anchored to surrounding existing teeth with the use of crowns, forming a "bridge" between them. This allows a smile to be full of teeth again, rather than having an unsightly gap showing bare gum.

Types of Dental Bridges

A traditional fixed bridge is the most common of the dental bridges and is made up of a false tooth (or teeth) which is attached to tow porcelain crowns on either side anchored by neighboring teeth (either implant or natural.) The bridge is called fixed because it is permanent and cannot be removed, much like a dental implant. A resin bonded bridge is mostly used for bridging front teeth, usually when the surrounding teeth used for anchoring are healthy with no fillings or structural weakness caused by tooth decay or gum disease. Cantilever bridges are bridges usually used for areas of the mouth that receive a low amount of wear and stress during mastication, such as the front teeth. Cantilever bridges are usually only used when there is only a worthy supporting tooth (or teeth) on one side of the gap made by a missing tooth or teeth.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges fix gaps in teeth with very natural looking false or "dummy" teeth that can attach to any surrounding natural, healthy teeth. They are very realistic and are made to blend in with the remaining natural teeth. Dental bridge work usually takes around two dental appointments to complete, and aftercare is simple as they can be brushed and cleaned like normal teeth. They can last up to ten or fifteen years as long as they are well looked after and are good replacements for natural teeth and can improve the appearance of your mouth and the pronunciation of your speech.

If you think dental bridges will provide a suitable replacement for lost teeth, then it is best to talk to your local dentist and arrange a consultation and see if you meet the criteria for getting dental bridges. They can give you a good idea as to what to expect before and after the procedure and help you decide whether the dental bridges are suited to your needs or whether you might benefit from dental implants instead. (See dental implants for more information.)

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