| A bridge is a way to
replace one or more missing teeth. Replacing missing
teeth makes it easier to chew and can improve your
appearance. It also helps keep your teeth, gums, and
jaws healthy. |
|
Why a Bridge? |
| Spaces left by missing teeth
affect the rest of your teeth. These gaps can cause
chewing problems. If even one tooth is missing,
other teeth may slowly shift out of place. This
changes the way your teeth fit together (your
bite). A poor bite may make your jaw sore. Your
teeth may become harder to clean, leading to
tooth decay and gum disease. And shifting
teeth may change your smile. |
|
What Is a Fixed Bridge? |
| A fixed bridge
is one or more replacement teeth attached
to the natural teeth next to them. The
bridge can only be removed by a dentist.
A bridge can be made of metal,
tooth-colored porcelain, or a combination of the
two. Your dentist will suggest the best
material for your mouth. There are two main
types of bridges: Conventional and
Maryland. |
|
Conventional Bridge |
 |
|
A
conventional bridge has replacement teeth
that are attached to crowns. The
crowns are placed over the natural teeth
on either side of the space to be filled. |
|
|
Maryland Bridge |
 |
|
A Maryland bridge
has replacement teeth that are
attached to the back of nearby natural
teeth using a metal strip. This
type of bridge may be an option if the teeth
next to the bridge are in good condition. |
|
|
Preparing Your Teeth for a Bridge |
| For a conventional
bridge, the teeth on either side of
the space to be filled must be reshaped.
These reshaped teeth hold
crowns that support the bridge.
Limited reshaping is also necessary with
the Maryland bridge. For either
bridge, impressions of your teeth
are taken. These impressions are used to
make your bridge. This process
takes about two to three weeks. During
this time, you may have a temporary
bridge to protect your reshaped
teeth. |
|
Fitting Your Bridge |
| When your new
bridge is ready, your dentist
places it on your teeth and adjusts
the fit until it feels right. The
bridge is then cemented or bonded
into place. If you have any problems
over the next few days, call your
dentist. He or she can advise
you what to do or make any other
adjustments that may be needed. |
|
Brush
after
each
meal.
Brush
the
surfaces
and
sides
of
your
bridge
like
you
do
your
natural
teeth.
Use
an
interdental
brush
to
clean
between
large
spaces.
Floss
at
least
once
a
day
to
clean
food
and
bacteria
from
between
teeth
and
at
the
gum
line.
Special
thick
floss
can
help
keep
your
bridge
clean.
And
floss
threaders
help
you
floss
under
a
fixed
bridge.