Dental Bridges

There are several different kinds of bridges, including:

• A fixed bridge is the most popular type of bridge and consists of a filler tooth that’s attached to two crowns. The crowns fit over the teeth on either side of the gap and hold the bridge in place. A fixed bridge is usually the most aesthetically appealing and comfortable choice.
• The Maryland bridge is commonly used to replace missing front teeth and consists of a filler tooth that’s attached to metal bands that are bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth. The metal bands consist of a white-colored composite resin that matches the color of your existing teeth.
• The cantilever bridge is often used when there are only teeth on one side of the gap. A typical three-unit cantilever bridge consists of two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth space. The filler tooth is then connected to the two crowned teeth, which extend into the missing tooth space or end.

The procedure specifics will depend on the type of bridge you choose. We’ll take digital impressions using the iTero® scanner to create a customized bridge that looks and feels natural. For a fixed bridge or cantilever bridge, we’ll recontour the teeth that require crowns and create a temporary restoration while your permanent bridge is being made. When your permanent bridge is ready, we’ll check that it fits and that your bite is correct before cementing it into place.

You’ll need to practice good oral hygiene, including flossing once daily and brushing twice a day, as well as keeping up with your regular professional cleanings to maintain healthy, bacteria-free teeth and gums. With proper care, your dental bridge can last for over a decade.