What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. Dental Bridges are used to replace a single or many missing teeth by borrowing the strength of adjacent teeth to attach the missing teeth in a non-removable fashion. By eliminating gaps and restoring your full smile, you can correct your bite so that it is easier to talk, bite, and chew.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of fixed dental bridges available, including: conventional fixed bridges, resin-bonded bridges, cantilever bridges, and a dental implant supported bridge. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years; however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reasons for a fixed bridge:
- Fill space of missing teeth.
- Maintain facial shape.
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
- Restore chewing and speaking ability.
- Restore your smile.
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
When a tooth is missing for a long period of time, the remaining healthy teeth will begin to shift and move in order to fill the gap, sliding out of their correct position. This shift adds extra, and often uneven pressure onto your jaw. This could eventually cause you jaw problems and increase the risk for gum disease, and adversely affect the way your smile looks.The sooner you seek treatment the better your results will be. Come visit Dr. DeWitt for more information about dental bridges and how you can renew your smile!