Park
Cities Dental
"The
Art and Science of a Healthy Smile"
Fixed
Bridges
What is a Bridge?
A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more
natural missing teeth, thereby "bridging" the space between two
teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented into place next to "abutment"
teeth- the surrounding teeth on either side of the space or "span."
Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of
the mouth by the patient.
A fixed bridge is a device that typically consists of three units- a pontic (a false tooth) fused between two crowns (see diagram) that are cemented to abutment teeth.
Who should get a bridge?
If you are missing any teeth and are committed to maintaining
good oral hygiene practices, you may be a good candidate for a bridge.
A bridge is the most natural choice to fill the space in your mouth left
by missing teeth. This space can cause the surrounding teeth to drift out
of position and can cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to
tooth decay and gum disease that can cause further tooth loss. Fixed bridges
not only correct an altered bite, improve your chewing ability and speech,
but they also safeguard your appearance by preventing the collapse of your
facial features that can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.
What types of bridges are there?
Besides traditional bridges, another popular design is
the resin bonded or "Maryland" bridge, primarily used for the
front teeth. This is usually the most economical choice when the abutment
teeth are health and don't contain large fillings. The pontic is fused
to metal bands that can be bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin cement
and hidden from view, reducing the amount of preparation o the adjacent
teeth.
A cantilever bridge may be used if there are teeth on only one side of the span. This involves anchoring the pontic to one side over one or more natural adjacent teeth. If there are no adjacent teeth to act as anchors, your dentist may recommend an implant- a metal post that is surgically imbedded into the bone and capped with a crown as an abutment.
In some cases where the span is large, your dentist may recommend a removable partial denture or even an implant-supported prosthesis.
What procedures are involved?
For a traditional fixed bridge, the first appointment
consists of the dentist reducing the adjacent abutment teeth that will
act as anchors. Impressions are made from which a metal framework including
the pontic, is created. By the second appointment, the final bridge is
fitted over the teeth.
The total treatment time is usually between two and four weeks, depending upon the type of bridge. However, because it is often difficult to match the natural shade of your teeth, the treatment time may be longer.
How do I care for a bridge?
With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush,
floss and see your dentist regularly. If you do not control the buildup
of food debris and plaque- the sticky film of bacteria formed from acids
in foods- your teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment
and resulting in possible loss of the bridge. Your dentist may also recommend
using floss threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces
between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums.
If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10 years, or even longer.
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Send comments to: Dr. J. Eric Hibbs