Question: What are bridges?
Answer: Bridges are dental restorations designed to replace the areas where there are one or more missing teeth. There are two basic types of bridges, one is a fixed bridge (which gets bonded or cemented into place) and the other is a removable bridge (which can be taken out and cleaned after meals). The removable bridges are not as secure, and much less desirable than a fixed bridge, although they are much less expensive. Fixed bridges can be made to rest on natural teeth, or on implants, and are usually crowns that are splinted (attached) together. There is also another type of fixed bridge called a “Maryland Bridge,” which does not require the use of crowns, but rather utilizes metal or resin wings that are splinted or bonded to the inside surface of the adjacent teeth.
Question: How is a fixed bridge attached?
Answer: Just as a regular bridge is built with a strong foundation on both sides and fills in the space between, so does a fixed bridge in dentistry. This fixed bridge rests on strong, healthy teeth on either side of the missing space (called abutments), and fills in the void with a dummy teeth (called pontics). The supporting teeth are prepared in the same manner as a crown, where a certain amount of tooth structure gets reduced all around to make room for the material used to fabricate the bridge.
Question: Why would someone need a bridge?
Answer: Reasons for having a bridge include: maintaining your appearance, your dental health, and proper function of your mouth. The loss of a back tooth can cause your cheeks to sink in as you get older, resulting in a much older appearance. Additionally, when you have an empty space, your dental health and mouth’s function become compromised in many ways. Your speech can become compromised when you are missing teeth. The adjacent teeth can drift and tilt, causing tooth decay, spacing, gum pockets, and loss of bone. Opposing teeth will tend to slowly erupt out of its socket in attempt to meet up with another tooth. Additionally, if multiple teeth are lost in the back of the mouth, it causes an additional stress on the other teeth, resulting in the enamel to wear faster. In the case of heavy grinders, missing teeth in the back can cause front teeth to wear, chip and break, causing their bite to collapse, and slowly break down what is seen when smiling. Missing teeth can affect the way you chew, causing an additional strain on your jaw and TMJ.
Question: How do you clean around a bridge?
Answer: Brushing and flossing must be modified to properly clean around a bridge. There are special shaped brushed and electric brush heads that are designed to clean around a fixed bridge. Water Piks and rinses are also indicated to help flush out the debris between the teeth. Additionally, there are floss threaders that are designed to thread under the connections of the bridge to allow for a thorough cleaning, along with interproximal brushes and other interdental cleaners that are designed for removing plaque that can accumulate in this area (i.e. rubber tips, plastic picks, etc). Regular dental check-ups are also recommended in order to help keep your bridge clean and your gums healthy.