A dental bridge is a false tooth that is used to replace missing teeth. Unlike a traditional removable denture, a dental bridge is fixed as it is anchored to the teeth at one or both sides. If well cared for a bridge should last for 10 to 15 years.
The type of bridge used will depend on the quality of the teeth either side of the gap, as well as the position of the gap.
Fixed Bridges
With a fixed bridge the false tooth is anchored to new crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap.
Cantilever Bridges
Here the false tooth is anchored to one or more crowns on only one side of the gap.
Adhesive Bridges
Also known as the Maryland Bridge.These are often the preferred type of bridge as the missing tooth/teeth is glued to the adjacent tooth without any drilling being needed conserving the tooth structure and longevity of the teeth involved.Thisis minimally invasive dentistry.
The advantages of using a bridge to replace a missing tooth:
To improve your appearance
To reduce the strain on the teeth at either side of the missing tooth.
To prevent the neighbouring teeth from leaning into the resulting gap and altering the bite.
To prevent gum disease and tooth decay due to accumulation of food in the gap.
In the majority of situations dental implants are a better alternative to bridges as the teeth on either side are not prepared.
Dentures can also be used to replace missing teeth.
