To replace missing teeth, dental bridge treatment is a perfect solution. The ultimate aim of this treatment is to restore chewing function, improve oral health, and intensify the appearance of an individual.

This device, as the name implies, ‘bridges the gap’ in your smile. Custom bridges created by dentists can be made to suit the color of your natural teeth. The parts that are integral to a dental bridge are as follows:

Abutment, i.e, the structure to support the teeth.
Pontics are the false teeth that make up the gap left by the missing tooth or a set of teeth.

Types of Dental Bridge

Four main types of dental bridges are known as:

Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most common type of dental bridge. Dentists use this treatment when you have firm natural teeth on either side of the gap that is created by the missing tooth. Dental crown (caps) on either side of the tooth with false teeth in between are what makes up this dental bridge.
Cantilever Dental Bridge: Resembling a traditional bridge that is rarely used and preferred when a natural tooth is present only on one side of the missing gap. The artificial tooth in this type of dental bridge is secured in place with the help of a dental crown that is glued to only a single abutment tooth.
Maryland Dental Bridge: Maryland bridge is used only when you have a natural tooth on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth. In this dental treatment, metal wings are used to fasten the bridge. Maryland bridge makes use of a framework made up of metal or porcelain glued behind the abutment teeth.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge: Instead of natural teeth this dental bridge rests on a dental implant. Consisting of two parts, a titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone, and a porcelain crown that fits directly onto it. This is known to be the safest and most stable dental procedure, which requires 2 surgeries:
- The first stage requires the embedding of the implant into the jawbone.
- The next stage is to place the bridge suitably.

Who needs a Dental Bridge Treatment?

Factors that may require you to go for a dental bridge include:

Loss of one or more permanent teeth.
Bring back the ability to chew properly.
Safeguarding the weak teeth from fracture.
Preventing other teeth from moving out of their position.

Advantages of a Dental Bridge Treatment

Your mouth and smile both get a natural look.
You will begin to speak without any flaw or obstruction, as missing teeth can give rise to speech problems like difficulty in pronouncing certain words.
A normal facial structure is maintained as it prevents loss of bones from the jaw where the missing tooth/teeth is located.
Improvement in your chewing capacity.
Your teeth will not grow in the empty space, which may be of concern when you bite and so on.

Risk associated with Dental Bridge

The dental bridge may get weaker if your abutment teeth are damaged by disease or trauma.
Plaque and bacteria might become vulnerable to gum disease or cavities if the bridge is not cleaned properly.
The outlook of bridge fracture exists if your abutment teeth are unable to sustain your bridge.

Procedure of the Dental Bridge Treatment

Evaluation: The dentist will examine your tooth and find out if the tooth or teeth need bridge treatment.
Local Anesthesia: The dentist will inject a local anesthetic for the bridge to be inserted.
Preparation of the Tooth: The supporting or adjacent teeth are shaped as needed so that suitable space for the bridge is created, which may also necessitate some enamel removal.
Impression: The dentist will take impressions of the teeth to create a custom bridge.
Temporary Bridge: An acting bridge to protect the mouth while the permanent bridge is being prepared.
Fitting the Permanent Bridge: The temporary bridge is removed as soon as the permanent bridge is ready, and this permanent bridge is fastened onto the prepared teeth with a cemented paste to complete the procedure that brings about the patient’s smile.