Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to fill in the gap between one or more missing teeth. A bridge is formed by two or more crowns for the teeth. These teeth are known as abutment teeth and false teeth are known as pontics, which can be made of gold, porcelain, alloys or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.
Dental bridges can restore your smile and revives the ability to chew and speak. Most people opt for dental bridges because it maintains the shape of your face and prevents teeth from drifting out of position.
DENTAL BRIDGES
Types of Brides
Traditional Bridges
The process involves creating a crown for the tooth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. These are the most common type of bridges and are made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
Cantilever bridges
When there are adjacent teeth on one side of the missing teeth, then Cantilever bridges are used. It is not recommended in the back of the mouth where it can put pressure on other teeth and damage them.
Maryland bonded bridges
Also known as a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge, these are made of porcelain fused to metal or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal. Porcelain or metal wings on each side of the bridge are strongly bonded to existing teeth.
Dental Bridge Procedure
Firstly, the abutment teeth are prepared, which involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to create space for a crown to be placed over it. Then, impressions of the teeth will be made to develop a model from which the bridge, crowns and pontic will be made by a dental lab. Dentists will make a temporary bridge to protect exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made. Then, temporary bridge will be removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be adjusted to achieve a proper fit.