Tooth bridge.
Tooth bridges, or dental brigdes, is a prosthetic device to replace a missing tooth or more teeth; most of tooth bridges are fixed and can be removed only by dentist.
When one or more teeth are missing, the usual practice is to replace them with implants, partial dentures or dental bridges, since a space in the teeth can bring several discomforts for the patient: the others teeth can move from their sites or they can shift, the bite can be compromised and sometimes gum diseases or temporomandibular joint can occurred.
Dental bridge.
Traditional tooth bridge is a apparatus made up of a false tooth, or teeth, connected to the sorrounding teeth by two crowns, or caps, one for each side of the bridge. The sorrounding teeth are called abutment teeth and the false tooth is called pontic; it can be made of gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges can be anchored either to natural teeth or dental implants.
Bridge dental. Other solutions.
Other types of tooth bridges are cantilever bridges, used when sorrounding teeth are only on one side of the bridge, and Maryland bridges, also called resin-bonded bridges or Maryland bonded bridges, made of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge connect the bridge to adjacent teeth.
Patients who choose a tooth bridge to replace missing teeth have to check their sorrounding teeth and gums, since they have to be strong and healthy.
Before a tooth bridge is applied, the adjacent teeth must be prepared: they are reduced so that the crowns and the bridge will fit over them properly. After reducing the teeth or tooth, the dentist will take an impression, to provide an exact mold for the cowns and bridge. Maryland bridges may be cheaper-priced because they need a less preparation before are applied. Usually, a temporary bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth before the permanent one is ready.
Bridge for teeth.
When a porcelain tooth bridge is used, the dentist will check the correct shade to get the same colour as possible of the natural teeth.
A tooth bridge can last several years, from five to more than ten, but it is essential to follow a proper daily oral hygiene; the prices are very different depending on the number of missing teeth or the place where it has to be arranged in the mouth.
