A bridge is a replacement tooth which is attached to crowns of the teeth on each side of the missing tooth with dental cement.

There are removable bridges, fixed bridges and bonded bridges.

Removable bridges generally are held in by clips or clasps. The patient generally removes these bridges after they eat and before they go to bed. They are probably the least expensive way of replacing the tooth. Because of the metal clips involved, they are not very pleasing to the eye. Within the last year, plastic clips have been developed that look much better to the eye. This may be something you may want to look into. If there are many teeth missing, it may be the only way to go. They are something that have been around for a long time.

Fixed bridges We cement a tooth to the teeth that are on either side of the missing tooth. The patient does not take them in or out. They are done two different ways. The most traditional type, we cap the abutment teeth (on either side of the teeth) then there is a one-piece unit that attaches to the two teeth on either side of the space. The whole thing looks just like natural
teeth. There are new bridges that are all porcelain which are very pleasing to the
eye. They do cost more than removable bridges, but they are far superior and more like natural teeth.

Bonded Bridges
Bonded bridges are way of replacing a tooth without having to prepare the abutment teeth as much. Usually attached by bonding metal wings to the teeth on either side. The fake tooth is attached to these teeth. The advantages:

1. You don't have to grind down the abutment teeth so much.
2. They are usually less costly.

Disadvantages:

1. The disadvantages are the abutment teeth have to be pretty pristine to do this. They can't have a whole lot of fillings in them
2. The track record for these teeth is not too good. They tend to fall out and need to be recemented.

They have lost favor among the dental community and the public, however, there are ideal situations where they can work well.

Why are bridges necessary?

• When a tooth is missing, other teeth can shift from their position, tilt or move to another location.
• The crooked teeth will then become difficult to clean and will be more prone to decay and gum disease.
• The changes in your mouth caused by the missing tooth will lead to changes in the bite and may eventually make it hard for you to chew comfortably.
• The shifting of the teeth can also lead to TMJ problems, i.e. locking jaw, clicking jaw, headaches, neck aches, ear aches and may be difficult to remedy.
• A missing tooth may affect your appearance.

How long will a bridge take to put in?

At least three to four appointments.

• Prepare the teeth
• Make temporary bridge that will maintain the bite, makes the teeth comfortable and looks nice.
• Next appointment the Doctor will make impressions (this may be performed in the first visit, if time allows)
• Then we get back the framework and try it in the mouth. All porcelain bridges would be completed during this appointment in most cases. If porcelain fused to metal bridge, try on the metal framework and check to see if this fits the teeth properly. If it does, the bridge would go back to the lab and porcelain would be applied.
• The last visit, you would receive the bridge.