Bridges

A dental bridge is a set of prosthetic teeth used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the facial contours and reduce the stress on your bite. The artificial teeth in the bridge replace permanently missing teeth and are held in place by crowns on both ends of the bridge. Bridges look natural and, as the name says, bridge the missing gap between the teeth. They can be made from porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of these materials.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

There are two basic types of bridges — fixed and removable. Fixed bridges are secured permanently in the mouth and consist of an artificial filler tooth between two crowns on natural teeth that hold the bridge in position. Removable bridges rest on the gum in place of the missing teeth and can be removed from the mouth before going to sleep or cleaning.

There are other types of bridges:

Cantilever Bridges: These types of bridges are commonly used to replace the end molars. They are similar to a fixed bridge, but instead of the bridge being supported by the crowns on either side, the crowns are on one side of the bridge.

Maryland Bridges: They are specially used to replace the missing front teeth and use tooth-colored metal bands cemented to the adjacent teeth, to hold the bridge in position. 

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

Dental bridges prevent the unnecessary movement of teeth, correct bite problems, or protect the structure of surrounding teeth. We can place them permanently in the mouth, or you can choose them to be removable. If you decide to have a permanent dental bridge, Dr. Byerly will fix it to your mouth using a powerful adhesive to secure it to the adjacent teeth.

The placing of bridges will need multiple visits to our dental clinic. During the first visit, the abutment teeth that will support the bridge on both ends of the bridge are prepared and shaped for the crown. This is done by removing the tooth’s enamel to make space for the new crown. After the tooth is reshaped, its impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab for the fabrication of the bridge. In the meantime, temporary bridges can be worn until the permanent ones are ready.

In your next visit, the permanent bridges can be attached to your adjacent teeth after making sure for proper fit and bite. Healthy gums ensure the most effective bonding of the bridge.

Call Byerly Family Dental at (317) 632-1488 or schedule an online appointment to know more about dental bridges.