As the name literally suggests, dental bridges are typically used to bridge the gap of one or more missing teeth with the help of crowns. Two or more crowns are fixed on anchoring or abutment teeth that are present on either side of the missing teeth. And it is in between these abutment teeth, the pontic or false teeth are fixed. Unlike removable dentures, these bridges are cemented to the healthy tooth. To facilitate the crown to be placed over healthy adjacent tooth of missing tooth, they are prepared by removing the enamel. After creating sufficient space, the crowns that are attached to pontic, are cemented onto the natural tooth. Impressions of teeth that are made in dental lab help in making bridge, crown and pontic. As a stop gap arrangement, a temporary removable bridge is fixed till the new bridge gets prepared. A leading dentist in Pune explains the importance of bridge and also throws light on different types of bridges that are available.
Why bridges are important
Usually the teeth located on either side of the missing tooth gap starts moving from its position and get drifted. The drifting action of teeth makes the cleaning process difficult and may result in decay. Hence drifting is avoided through bridges. The other benefits of bridges are
• Increase in speaking and chewing ability
• Proper maintenance of the face shape
• Even distribution of forces of bites and thereby reduce jaw problems.
• For aesthetic purpose and also to bring back the smile.
Types of bridges
Bridges are mainly classified into three groups - Traditional, Cantilever and Maryland bridges.
Traditional bridges
In this most commonly used bridge type, abutment tooth is created by securing crowns on either side of the missing tooth. This acts as anchoring of the pontic which is placed in missing tooth area. As the bridge is cemented, it cannot be removed easily, but if necessary can be done by a dentist. The materials used in traditional bridges are generally ceramic or Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM).
Cantilever bridges
Cantilever bridges are used when abutment tooth is present only on one side of the missing tooth. Aesthetic needs, inability to have traditional bridges, or in the event of abutment tooth sustaining another pontic are few common reasons due to which cantilever bridges are used.
Maryland bridges
It is another type of bridge used for replacing the missing tooth. In this type, a false tooth having two metal wings is fixed in the place of missing tooth (a crown that has wings). The wings of the false teeth are attached at the backside of the abutment teeth that are located near the missing area. This is considered as a quick remedy as the adjacent tooth need not be prepared or only minimal preparation is involved.
Dental implants are another popular option to replace a missing tooth. In case of dental implants, the necessity to prepare adjacent tooth for fixing is completely avoided. Implants are surgically positioned and provide a strong support to the artificial tooth.
For replacing missing tooth or teeth and selecting right type of bridges and for other queries related to dental health, it is recommended to visit leading dental clinic in Pune.
Dr. Nitin Oswal
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