A dental bridge is an artificial piece that is built and installed in your mouth to replace a missing tooth. Usually, a bridge is made up of two or more artificial teeth, or crowns, on either side of the gap where the missing tooth is and then a false tooth in the middle. The two crowns are secured to the natural teeth on each side of the gap. The name bridge comes from the fact that the piece is literally bridging the gap created by the missing tooth.

Why get a dental bridge?

Besides just restoring your smile, a dental bridge is a smart replacement for a missing tooth for many reasons, including:

• Restore your ability to chew and speak normally
• Prevent your teeth from shifting
• Making sure your bite does not change due to your missing tooth

Types of dental bridges

There are 3 different types of dental bridges that are commonly used and available.

• A traditional dental bridge has a crown made for the tooth on each side of the missing tooth. In the middle of the crowns is an artificial tooth called a pontic. Traditional bridges are most often made from porcelain or ceramic attached to metal.
• A cantilever bridge is the type of bridge used when there is only an adjacent tooth on one side of the missing tooth gap. This type of dental bridge is not very common and is not usually recommended except for in unusual cases.
• Maryland bonded bridge, often referred to as a resin-bonded bridge, are made from porcelain or plastic on metal. These bridges have wings that are bonded to existing teeth.

If you are considering getting a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth, it may be helpful to get an idea of the process. This process usually occurs over 2 visits to the dentist. The first step is preparing the adjacent teeth for the bridge. This step involves reshaping these teeth and removing enamel on these teeth so that the crowns will fit once they are placed on top. The next step is getting impressions made, or a molding, so that the lab will have a model and exact measurements to build your bridge. Your dentist will generally give you a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums while you are waiting for the dental lab to construct your bridge.

At the second visit, your dentist will remove the dental bridge and install your new custom bridge. The installing may take some time as your dentist will want to make sure that the bridge fits properly. This may take time to make sure the metal framework fits your teeth securely and does not impact your bite. If your bridge is going to be fixed in your mouth, your dentist may temporarily cement in in place for a few weeks before securing the permanent cementing or bonding, just to be sure that the fit and comfort is right for you. After a few weeks your dentist will permanently secure your new bridge.

More on Dental Bridges : Non Implant Missing Teeth Replacement Options