Dental bridges or bridges are used when there are one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are used to fill the gap created by missing teeth. A bridge is usually made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. It supports the false tooth and is cemented in place. A dental bridge is a false tooth called a pontic. Pontics can be made using a variety of materials, such as gold, but are more commonly made of porcelain to match the color and appearance of the natural teeth and provide better aesthetic results.
Who needs a dental bridge?
Dental bridges can help fill the gap in case of missing tooth or teeth. The most common causes of missing teeth include:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Dental injury
Why do I need a dental bridge?
Teeth are required for several functions. Missing teeth can lead to several problems. Every tooth supports the teeth on either side of it. If a tooth is missing, the nearby teeth may move into the empty space. The teeth from the opposite jaw can also move up or down toward the empty space. This movement of teeth can cause a variety of problems, such as:
- Bite problems
- Difficulty in chewing
- Pain
- Cosmetic changes to the smile
Benefits of getting a dental bridge:
A dental bridge can address the problems caused due to missing teeth. The benefits include:
- Restoration of smile
- Restoration of the ability to chew properly
- Restoration of speech and proper pronunciation
- Maintaining the shape of the face
- Correction of bite problems
- Preventing movement of remaining normal teeth
What are the types of dental bridges?
There are four main types of dental bridges:
Traditional dental bridge:
This is a false tooth or teeth that are held in place by dental crowns. The crowns are cemented onto each of the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Abutment teeth are the teeth that support the bridges. They are the most popular type of dental bridge. They can be used when there are normal, natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth.
Cantilever dental bridge:
This is similar to a traditional bridge. The false tooth or pontic in this type of dental bridge and is held in place by a dental crown. The dental crown is cemented to only one abutment tooth. This type of bridge requires only one natural tooth next to the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth.
Maryland dental bridge:
Maryland dental bridges also use two natural abutment teeth similar to traditional bridges. Unlike traditional bridges, these bridges use a framework of either metal or porcelain, which are bonded onto the backs of both the abutment teeth. Hence, this type of bridge can only be used when there is a normal, natural tooth on either side of the gap caused by the missing tooth or teeth.
Implant-supported dental bridge:
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks. One implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth to hold the bridge in position. This is the strongest and most stable system. An implant-supported bridge usually requires two surgeries. First, the implant is embedded into the jawbone and the next is the placement of the bridge. This procedure can take a few months to finish.
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerMouth Healthy. Bridges. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bridges
Top What Are Bridges Used For? Related Articles
Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Oral Health: 19 Habits That Cause Bad Teeth
Is chewing ice bad for your teeth? How do you avoid rotten teeth? Learn how chewing ice, eating snacks, teeth grinding and other habits can prevent you from attaining perfect teeth.
Is a Mouthguard Good for Your Teeth?
Mouthguards or mouth protectors are coverings worn over teeth. They protect your teeth from injuries. A mouthguard acts as a cushion to minimize the impact of trauma or a blow to the face. Thus, they lower the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face, or jaw.
Protect Your Teeth: 19 Bad Dental Habits to Avoid
Bad dental habits can wreck your teeth. Teeth grinding, chewing on ice, playing sports without a mouth guard, and eating and drinking sugary foods and drinks are just a few bad habits that are bad for teeth. Giving nighttime baby bottles, opening things with your teeth, and chewing on pencils can also damage teeth and tissues in the mouth. Drinking red wine and white wine can erode enamel and stain teeth. Smoking, tobacco use, drinking coffee can all lead to tooth stains. Binge eating disorder leads to the consumption of large amounts of sugary food, which can lead to tooth decay. Purging exposes teeth to acids that can wear down enamel.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Bruxism may be caused by stress or anxiety and often happens during sleep. Symptoms and signs include jaw pain, headache, and abnormalities in your teeth. Treatment may involve practicing stress-management techniques, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, avoiding gum chewing, training oneself not to grind the teeth, and wearing a mouth guard.
Beautiful Teeth and Gums
Explore tips for beautiful teeth and gums. Brighten your smile and keep healthy gums with these easy and simple tools.
Teeth Picture
The teeth are the hardest substances in the human body. See a picture of the Teeth and learn more about the health topic.
Teeth Whitening: Facts, Types, and Products That Work
What is the best teeth whitening option for you? Learn about different teeth whitening products such as teeth whitening strips, teeth whitening at home, and more.
Teething
Teething in babies typically starts between 4 and 10 months of age. Symptoms and signs of cutting teeth include rash, drooling, decreased sleeping, fussiness, bringing the hands to the mouth, and rubbing the cheek or ear. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be used to treat teething pain. Do not give aspirin to babies or children due to a condition called Reye's syndrome, which can be deadly.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that people get in their late teens or early twenties. Impacted wisdom teeth that only partially erupt allow for an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection, which results in pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and general illness. Before your wisdom teeth are pulled, the teeth and the surrounding tissue will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Recovery from wisdom tooth removal depends upon the difficulty of the extraction.