Dental Bridges Randolph MA
If you have missing teeth, you will be left with a gap in your smile. This gap can be spanned using a dental bridge. If you are considering getting a bridge, you will need to understand what is involved so that you can make the best choice for your teeth and smile.
What is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A dental bridge, sometimes known as a fixed partial denture, bridges the gap left by missing teeth. The bridge itself is simply a false tooth, medically known as a pontic, retained using “abutment teeth” on each side of the gap.
What materials are bridges made from?
Pontics can be made from a range of materials, like gold or porcelain. Porcelain more closely blends in with natural teeth.
Why might I need a bridge?
Your dentist may recommend that you get a dental bridge to address unwanted changes caused by missing teeth. A dental bridge can help by:
- Restoring your smile
- Allowing you to chew properly
- Restoring your normal speech
- Maintaining your facial appearance
- Readjusting your bite so that chewing force is more evenly distributed
How are dental bridges attached?
It depends upon the specific type of bridge. For example, a traditional bridge is retained using dental crowns that your dentist cements to abutment teeth on either side of the gap in your smile.
Bridge Options
Here are some popular types of dental bridges:
Traditional
A traditional bridge involves retaining a false tooth or teeth using crowns bonded onto abutment teeth. Traditional dental bridges are the most popular type of dental bridge. They are often used when the patient has some natural teeth remaining on either side of the gap left by their missing teeth.
Cantilever
A cantilever bridge is much like a traditional bridge, except the pontic is retained using a crown that is bonded to just one abutment tooth.
Maryland
Maryland dental bridges are similar to traditional bridge, using abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Instead of using a dental crown on abutment teeth, the Maryland dental bridge utilizes a metal or porcelain framework cemented onto abutment teeth.
Implant-Supported
This type of bridge incorporates dental implants instead of crowns. In most cases, your dentist would surgically place one implant for each missing tooth. The implants retain the position of the bridge. If this arrangement is not possible, your dentist may suspend a pontic between two implant-supported dental crowns.
Since implant-supported bridges are firmly anchored by dental implants placed within the jawbone, they are considered to be the strongest and most stable type.
How do I take care of my new dental bridge?
After receiving your new dental bridge, avoid eating for at least 30 minutes after the placement of your bridge. This allows the dental cement time to set.