A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite.

What are Dental Bridges?

A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, ceramic, or a combination of these materials, and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.

The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it’s very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.

Kinds of Bridges

When you are replacing a missing tooth, there are three options when it comes to bridges. The first is a partial denture that you can take in and out. The second is a bridge where the tooth on either side is used as an anchor and it is cemented in. The third is a dental implant bridge that is most commonly used when the teeth on either side have bigger cavities or need work, that way those two teeth get fixed as well as replacing the missing tooth. Another reason why a bridge would be a better option over an implant is if you need the tooth quickly. Implants often take months to complete whereas bridges can be done and completed in three weeks and there can be a tooth filling the space after your first visit. Bridges are the treatment of choice in certain situations.