Dental Bridges

If you're missing a tooth or a group of teeth, you may be a candidate for a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an appliance that takes the place of a missing tooth or a group of teeth. They come in several different types. The one that's right for you will depend on your particular situation.

At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, we consider ourselves experts at replacing and restoring your teeth. Our priority is making your smile as big and bright as it can be. This includes installing bridges to make the gaps in your teeth invisible. Keep reading to learn about the different types of dental bridges and how you can find out if you're a candidate to have one placed.

What is a Dental Bridge?

As stated above, a bridge can take the place of a missing tooth or group of teeth. In many cases, the teeth surrounding the gap become anchors for the bridge.

There are several different types of bridges:

Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional bridge is comprised of a pair of crowns and a pontic (or pontics) attached between them. The crowns go on the abutment teeth—the teeth on either side of the gap. When you have healthy natural teeth surrounding the gap, this is likely to be your prosthodontist's suggested option.

First, the abutment teeth must be prepared to take the crowns. Once that process is complete, your prosthodontist will take an impression of the area so the crowns and pontics can be custom-made. Temporary crowns may be placed on the abutments while awaiting the arrival of your appliance.

When the lab sends back your freshly made crowns, your prosthodontist fits them on the abutment teeth and the bridge fits in between them. Temporary glue ensures a good fit at the beginning, then permanent glue goes on once the bridge appears to be working properly.

Cantilever Bridge

Your prosthodontist might suggest a cantilever bridge if there are only natural teeth on one side of the missing teeth. A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but in this case, there is only a crown affixed on one side. Once the crown gets placed on the abutment tooth, the pontic will hang over the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. Cantilever bridges are not quite as sturdy as a traditional bridge.

Maryland Bridge

With the Maryland bridge, the bridge is held in place not by crowns but by metal wings. The wings attached to the bridge are affixed to the backs of the surrounding teeth. These bridges are often used to replace missing front teeth. A Maryland bridge does not have the strength of back teeth, so some adjustment is to be expected in using it.

Implant-Supported Bridge

If you are missing three or more teeth in a row, your prosthodontist may suggest an implant-supported bridge. Instead of crowns or wings supporting the bridge, implants support the bridge. The process for getting implants installed can be a time-consuming one, as there are many components to getting implants placed in your jawbone. However, once completed, an implant-supported bridge is very sturdy.

Getting a Dental Bridge Installed

Your prosthodontist will consider several factors when trying to determine which type of dental bridge will work best for your situation. These may include:

  • Your age (bridges are typically best for adults)
  • The number of missing teeth
  • The size of the gap
  • The condition of the teeth surrounding the gap
  • The presence of natural teeth on both sides of the gap
  • The overall health of your teeth and gums • Your preferences

The procedure for installing a dental bridge depends on which type of bridge you opt for.

Traditional or Cantilever Dental Bridge

Getting a traditional or cantilever bridge placed will require two visits to your dental provider. At the first visit, your prosthodontist will begin by anesthetizing you, so you won't feel any discomfort for the length of the procedure.

Once you are numb in the area where your bridge will go, your prosthodontist will prepare your abutment teeth—the teeth surrounding the gap made by your missing teeth—by reshaping them so they can take the crowns needed to secure your bridge in place. This involves removing the enamel from these teeth.

After the abutment teeth are properly prepped, your prosthodontist will make a dental impression of the area. This impression will be sent to a lab for the creation of your custom-made bridge. Since it usually takes two to four weeks for a bridge to be made, your prosthodontist will fit you with a temporary bridge so you can go about your business while you wait for the lab to do its job.

When the final bridge returns from the lab, you will have a second visit with your dental provider. At this visit, your prosthodontist will remove the temporary bridge, test the custom-made bridge for a proper fit, and make any necessary adjustments. Once a perfect fit has been established, the bridge will be permanently attached.

Maryland Bridge

Getting a Maryland bridge installed is similar to having a traditional bridge done. The big difference is that instead of abutment teeth being prepared to take crowns, these teeth will be prepared to take the metal wings which will hold the bridge in place.

Implant-Supported Bridge

The process of getting an implant-supported bridge is more involved than any other type of bridge, as the first step will be to determine whether any bone grafting needs to happen before placing the implant post. If so, that will be done and time for healing will be allowed.

When the jawbone is ready, the implant posts will be installed. It can take anywhere from three to six months for osseointegration (bone fusing around the implant) to take place. A temporary bridge will get you through this process.

Once osseointegration is complete, the abutments which will hold the replacement teeth in place will be added to the tops of the posts. An impression of the area will be sent to the lab for the custom-made bridge to be created. You will, again, have a temporary bridge provided. Finally, when your custom-made bridge is ready, your prosthodontist will check the fit and install it permanently.

Need a Dental Bridge?

Are you missing teeth and believe you may need a dental bridge? Live near Spokane, WA? Wait no longer! Contact us at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics. We will be happy to sit down with you to come up with a plan for filling in that space in your teeth and restoring your smile.