A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic solution designed to replace one or more missing teeth using an artificial tooth, known as a pontic, joined to supporting structures. This restoration bridges the gap, restoring both function and appearance. Selecting the right professional requires understanding the different bridge types, the installation process, and the specific expertise needed for a successful outcome.
Understanding Different Types of Bridges
The type of bridge recommended depends on the location of the missing tooth and the health of the adjacent teeth. The most common option is the traditional fixed bridge, which uses crowns cemented onto the natural teeth on both sides of the gap for support. This design provides significant strength and is often used for replacing molars and other teeth that sustain high chewing forces.
A Cantilever bridge is used when there are healthy natural teeth on only one side of the missing tooth space. This option anchors the pontic to a single tooth, which can place more stress on the supporting abutment tooth.
Maryland bridges, also called resin-bonded bridges, are a less invasive choice that bonds a metal or porcelain framework to the back of the adjacent teeth. This bridge does not require the extensive removal of enamel from the supporting teeth, but it is reserved for front teeth due to lower strength. An Implant-supported bridge relies on surgically placed titanium posts in the jawbone rather than natural teeth for support. This option is used when multiple teeth are missing and is considered the most stable and long-lasting solution.
The Steps of Bridge Installation
The process of receiving a dental bridge typically requires a minimum of two appointments. The first visit focuses on preparing the abutment teeth, which are the natural teeth that will support the bridge. The dentist must reshape these teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to create the necessary space for the crowns to fit securely.
After the preparation is complete, the dentist takes a precise impression of the reshaped teeth and the gap using either a moldable material or a digital scanner. This impression serves as the model for the dental laboratory to custom-fabricate the permanent bridge, a process that can take several weeks. A temporary bridge made of acrylic or composite resin is cemented over the prepared teeth to protect them while the final restoration is being made.
The second appointment involves removing the temporary bridge and carefully fitting the permanent bridge. The dentist checks for proper fit, color match, and bite alignment, making any necessary adjustments to the restoration. Once the fit is confirmed to be accurate and comfortable, the bridge is permanently cemented onto the abutment teeth using a strong dental adhesive.
Vetting Your Dental Professional
Finding the right professional involves looking beyond a general dentist, especially for complex cases involving multiple missing teeth or unique structural challenges. A general dentist is trained to perform standard bridge procedures and manage oral health. However, a prosthodontist is a recognized specialist who has completed three years of advanced training focused specifically on the restoration and replacement of teeth, including crowns, bridges, and implants.
For a straightforward, traditional bridge, a qualified general dentist with extensive experience is often sufficient. For complex cases or full-mouth rehabilitation, a prosthodontist’s specialized expertise in material science and bite dynamics may lead to a predictable, high-quality outcome. When consulting with a potential provider, ask specific questions about their experience, such as the number of bridge procedures they perform annually.
It is also important to inquire about the materials used for the bridge, such as porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, or zirconia, and the quality of the dental lab they partner with for fabrication. Requesting to see before-and-after photos of similar bridge cases allows a patient to assess the provider’s aesthetic results. A provider should openly discuss the expected lifespan of the bridge, typically between 5 and 15 years, and how material choice affects longevity.
Maintenance and Comparison to Other Options
Maintaining a dental bridge requires specialized cleaning beyond standard brushing because the pontic is fused to the crowns, preventing regular floss from passing through. The most critical step is cleaning the space between the artificial tooth and the gumline, where food particles and bacteria can easily accumulate. Failure to clean this area risks decay in the natural abutment teeth, which would cause the entire bridge to fail.
Specialized tools like a floss threader or Superfloss must be used to get floss under the pontic. Alternatively, a water flosser uses a pressurized stream of water to flush out debris from hard-to-reach areas. Daily cleaning with these methods is necessary to preserve the health of the underlying natural teeth and the longevity of the restoration.
Compared to other options, the dental bridge is a fixed, non-removable appliance, which is generally more comfortable and stable than a removable partial denture. However, a traditional bridge requires the permanent reshaping of two healthy adjacent teeth to serve as anchors. Dental implants, by contrast, are a self-supporting option that does not alter adjacent teeth and helps preserve the jawbone by stimulating it like a natural tooth root.