A bridge stabilizes the bite of a patient who is missing one or more teeth. Bridges prevent the surrounding teeth from moving or shifting in the mouth. A missing tooth that is not replaced may cause surrounding teeth to become unstable and require removal
or make the teeth harder to clean, compromising oral health
or change the shape of a face and diminish the beauty of a smile.
Unlike partial dentures, bridges are permanent; patients cannot remove them.
There are three main kinds of bridges. In a traditional bridge, the pontic ("false tooth") is fused between the two crowns of the abutment teeth on either side. In a Maryland bridge, a metal band (hidden from view) binds the pontic to the abutment teeth. A cantilever bridge is necessary when there is an abutment tooth on only one side of the pontic. Maryland bridges work best when the teeth are front teeth adjoining healthy teeth that do not have large fillings. |
