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What are Dental Bridges?

Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge and provide support for the lips and cheeks. Good oral health is the most important motivator when determining whether to wear a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other; if there are missing teeth, it can result in unusual stresses that are placed on the gums and other oral tissues. When teeth are missing, dental problems can occur such as the patients’ bite shifting. A dental bridge can help avoid the risk of fracturing the remaining teeth.

A dental bridge replaces one or multiple missing teeth. It literally “bridges” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Using state-of-the-art materials, they feel and look completely natural. A bridge is a fixed replacement for the missing tooth and is anchored to either the patient’s natural teeth, dental crowns, or implants. They are particularly useful for patients who have either chosen not to have dental implants or when dental implants cannot be used.

Dental Bridge Terms

To help best understand the different types of dental bridges, there are some terms you should become familiar with, including the following:

Dental Crowns: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. It can also improve the tooth’s appearance.

Pontics: A pontic is an artificial tooth used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth in a dental bridge. It is anchored to the surrounding teeth or dental implants.

Abutment Teeth: An abutment is a structure that supports or connects dental prosthetics, such as crowns or bridges, to natural teeth or implants, providing stability and function. 

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridge

Traditional dental bridges, also known as fixed dental bridges, are the most common type of bridge. It consists of dental crowns on both ends with pontics in between. The crowns will be bonded to your natural teeth (abutments) on either side of the gap while the pontics fill in the space between. 

Cantilever Dental Bridge

This bridge is similar in many ways to a traditional bridge, though there is only a crown on one end, not both. 

Maryland Dental Bridge

A Maryland bridge uses metal wings in place of crowns to secure your bridge. The wings will be bonded to the backs of your adjacent teeth to hold the bridge in place. These types of dental bridges are commonly used to replace missing teeth in the front of the mouth. 

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge rests on top of your dental implants instead of your natural teeth. Before a bridge is attached to a dental implant, the implants must be fully fused with your jawbone. This process can take 3-6 months or longer. Implant-supported bridges can be used when you have three or more missing teeth in a row. In some cases, a temporary bridge can be placed immediately following the implant’s placement.

What to Expect During the Dental Bridge Procedure

The dental bridge procedure may vary depending on the type of dental bridge you receive. Local anesthesia may be given to help ensure your comfort during the procedure. Generally, placing a dental bridge involves two to three separate appointments and may take several weeks to complete. Our specialists will explain your dental bridge process in depth during your consultation to ensure that you are comfortable with the process. 

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges, please contact Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC in Bethesda, MD, today. We will be happy to discuss the dental bridge procedure with you and determine if a dental bridge is right for your situation. 

Dental Bridges FAQs

 

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Dr. Kaplan has recently been awarded by the American College of Prosthodontists recognizing extraordinary collegiality, outreach, and community service.