Loss of teeth is a common phenomenon. Although there are
ways one can take care of their teeth, not everyone manages to retain their
teeth for a lifetime. This is the reason that tooth replacement options exist,
and there are many of them. Among those options, dental bridge is the one which
many of the people with lost teeth go for.
What is a dental bridge?
There would be many people who might have no knowledge about
what a dental bridge is. As the name suggests, dental bridge is a device which
is used to bridge the gap which is left by a missing tooth. A traditional
dental bridge consists of two abutment teeth with a faux tooth between those
teeth. Filling this empty gap is important also because if you leave this gap
open, the teeth around this gap will tend to drift towards the empty space, creating
misalignment in the entire jaw. This misalignment does not only affect your
bite but it can also lead to TMJ problem which can be quite painful and
troublesome for oral as well as overall health. With the help of bridges, you
will not only be able to prevent the misalignment but you will also be able to
chew your foods.
Types of dental bridges
Dental bridges fall into three different categories. Let’s
discuss them briefly.
- A standard or traditional bridge consists of two crowns with a pontic tooth between them. The crowns are adjusted on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. The supporting teeth around the missing teeth are known as abutment teeth. The pontic tooth or teeth fit in the gap.
- Maryland Bridge consists of a pontic tooth with the wings which are usually made of metal or porcelain. These wings are bonded with the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. These bridges are ideal for the front teeth which are not used for regular chewing of foods. And it is pretty conclusive that these bridges are not made to withstand extensive pressure of chewing.
- Cantilever bridge is the right option for the restoration of teeth which do not have abutment teeth on one of their sides. Hence, this bridge seems to replace the missing molar which lies at the back of the mouth. However, these bridges are not very commonly used due to the fact that a porcelain tooth is not quite capable of withstanding the pressure of chewing.
Caring for the dental bridge
Dental bridge cannot be removed since it is bonded to the
teeth with the help of special cement. However, taking good care of these
bridges is very important. For this purpose, you can get a special brush and
floss. Proper dental hygiene is extremely essential in this regard.
