Dental bridges bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns, one on each of the supporting teeth either side of the gap, called abutments, with a false tooth, known as a pontic, set in-between. When an area of missing teeth has been restored using implants, a bridge is sometimes used for the final restoration, abutments cover the implants on either side of a space with a pontic in the middle. Bridges are made from the same materials as crowns; Dr. Thomas typically uses porcelain fused to gold or full gold, in some instances bridges are made from all porcelain. A bridge not only restores a smile but also restores the correct bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. When teeth are missing the remaining teeth drift into the open space causing problems with bite and potential jaw problems.

Types of Bridges

There are three main types of bridges:

• Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge, replacing one or more missing teeth with a pontic, anchored by abutments on each side.
• Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side. A pontic replaces the missing tooth anchored by only one abutment. This type of bridge is not as strong as a traditional bridge and is less widely used.

Procedure

The bridge procedure is usually completed over two visits. The first will be to prepare the anchor teeth to accept the abutments, an impression will be taken for the lab to use in the custom fabrication of the permanent bridge; patients leave the office with a temporary bridge. A second appointment is made for approximately three weeks later to cement the permanent bridge.