A dental bridge works by using one or more artificial teeth (pontics) to fill a gap in your teeth, supported by crowns that are cemented to the adjacent natural teeth (abutments). In essence, it "bridges" the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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The Problem: A missing tooth or teeth can impact your bite, speech, and the alignment of your remaining teeth. It can also affect your self-confidence.
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The Solution: A Dental Bridge. A dental bridge literally bridges the gap. It consists of:
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Abutments: These are the natural teeth on either side of the gap. They serve as the anchor for the bridge. Your dentist will prepare these teeth for crowns.
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Pontic: This is the artificial tooth (or teeth) that fills the gap. It is attached to the crowns on the abutments.
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The Process:
- Preparation of Abutment Teeth: The dentist reshapes the abutment teeth so the crowns can properly fit over them. This typically involves removing a portion of the enamel.
- Impressions: An impression of your teeth is taken to create a model for the bridge.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared abutment teeth and the gap while the permanent bridge is being made.
- Permanent Bridge Placement: Once the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist removes the temporary bridge and cements the permanent bridge onto the abutment teeth.
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Types of Dental Bridges:
- Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type, using crowns on abutment teeth on either side of the gap.
- Cantilever Bridges: These are used when there is only one abutment tooth adjacent to the gap. This type is less stable and not recommended for areas with high bite pressure.
- Maryland Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges): These bridges use a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back of the abutment teeth. They are more conservative as they require less preparation of the abutment teeth.
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How it Stays in Place: The bridge is cemented onto the prepared abutment teeth. The cement creates a strong bond, holding the bridge securely in place.
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Benefits:
- Restores your smile.
- Restores the ability to properly chew and speak.
- Maintains the shape of your face.
- Distributes bite force properly by replacing missing teeth.
- Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
In summary, a dental bridge is a prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth by attaching an artificial tooth (pontic) to crowns that are cemented to the adjacent natural teeth (abutments), effectively restoring function and aesthetics.
