A dental bridge is a series of interconnected crowns that together fill a space where one, or multiple teeth are lost. The teeth on either side of the space, or an implant, are used as anchors and called abutments. Connecting or ‘bridging’ the abutments is a pontic (dental crown) used to fill the space.

The advantages of a dental bridge is restoring function to your speech and bite, improving your smile, distributing biting forces and preventing neighbouring teeth from drifting.

A dental bridge is not an ideal option if the missing tooth space in your mouth is too long as it will place damaging forces on supporting teeth, or you don’t have any supporting teeth or suitable supporting teeth. If the abutments on either side of a space are unrestored teeth, removal of sound tooth structure is not ideal and an implant or partial denture would be more suitable. A high rate of decay or clenching/grinding habit can also be detrimental to the longevity of a dental bridge.

A dental bridge can be made of gold, porcelain, zirconia or a combination of materials and once cemented into position, it can only be removed by a dentist. There are variations of dental bridge options, dependent on your situation.

MARYLAND BRIDGE

A maryland bridge, involves a pontic/crown which spans the space of a missing tooth (often a front tooth), and has extensions (like wings) which are bonded onto the back of a supporting abutment tooth. It is the most conservative option as there is minimal preparation of the supporting abutment tooth. However, Maryland bridges are the least resistant to excessive forces, like grinding or finger nail biting.

CANTILEVER BRIDGE

A cantilever bridge is where the pontic/crown is only supported on one side by an abutment tooth. A cantilever bridge is limited in its use, as too much excessive force on the bridge can be detrimental to the durability of the supporting abutment tooth.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT MY APPOINTMENT?

At your initial appointment, your dentist will assess your mouth and discuss all the options available to restore your missing teeth. At your bridge preparation appointment, the supporting teeth are reduced in size to allow space for the bridge material. An impression is taken of the prepared teeth, along with a shade to match your existing teeth and sent to a dental technician to custom create your dental bridge using the design specified by your dentist. The prepared teeth are protected for 2 weeks with either a temporary crown or bridge. At the cementation appointment the temporary crown/bridge is removed and the dental bridge cemented.

HOW LONG WILL MY DENTAL BRIDGE LAST?

The durability of a dental bridge is reliant on sound supporting teeth and a healthy mouth, we would expect longevity of at least 10 years in 90% of dental bridges placed. However, if dental disease, gum disease or decay affects the supporting teeth the dental bridge can be lost. To ensure longevity of your dental bridge, maintain your oral hygiene at home and visit your dentist regularly.