Dental bridges

A dental bridge bridges the gap between one or more missing teeth. The teeth on two sides of the gap is crowned and a bridge is created with them called abutment teeth. These teeth contain one/more false teeth in between. The false teeth are called pontics. Pontics are made of alloys, gold, porcelain or a combination of these metals and alloys. These bridges are supported by implants or natural teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can be categorized in three significant categories. Lets check it out.
Traditional bridges which involve pontics in between a crown or an implant on either side of the missing teeth. Pontics are made of ceramics or porcelain fused to metals.
Bridges are used when adjacent teeth are missing from one side.
Maryland Bridge or resin-bonded bridges are made of porcelain, metal fused to porcelain or plastic gums and teeth supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Porcelain or metal wings are bonded on either side of the bridge to your existing teeth.

Procedure of Placement of a Dental Bridge

On the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared. These teeth are re-contoured by removing a portion of the enamel for the crown to be placed. Next in the dental lab impressions of the teeth, pontics and crowns are made. A temporary bridge is made to be worn to protect the exposed gums and teeth while the bridge is being prepared.
On the second visit temporary bridge will be removed and the new metal or porcelain bridge will be fitted. You might be asked to visit the dentist again to check the fit of the bite and metal framework. If a fixed bridge is used, your dentist might temporarily cement it. After few weeks, the bridge gets cemented in place.

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Authored By Dr.C.M.Bejoy Mony, M.D.S.