bridges

problem: I have teeth missing and I do not want to wear a denture or have surgery

There are a number of methods for replacing missing teeth. The most simple is a denture of some form (see dentures). The problem for some people is that they do not want an appliance that they can remove and replace in the mouth.

Another method is to have the spaces filled by using dental implants. This method involves some surgery and is not always an ideal solution.

Bridges are one of the methods used to replace missing teeth. Bridges use adjacent teeth as retainers or anchors.  In order to fix the bridge in the mouth, either the anchor teeth need to be crowned or a Maryland bridge needs to be fitted.

A Maryland bridge cements a false tooth into the gap with “wings” that fit onto the inside of the adjacent teeth.
The second method is a conventional bridge that is made by crowning the teeth adjacent to the gap and then constructing an appliance that is cemented onto the retaining teeth and has the crowns and the false tooth/teeth made as one solid unit that is aesthetically pleasing.

Bridges may be made out of plastic, porcelain, bonded porcelain to metal, metal, or white composite filling material. We make all our bridges out of e-max for short bridges or porcelain with a precious metal framework for longer span bridges.

Preparation and fitting of bridges is the same as for crowns or veneers. Bridges have been used successfully for many years. Metal-winged Maryland bridges require almost no preparation.

Advantages: Same as for crowns or veneers. Bridges are fixed in the mouth so they do not need to be removed to be cleaned. They have a very natural feel in the mouth, so are comfortable to eat with and easy to maintain.

Disadvantages: The retaining teeth are prepared in the same way as for crowns. Only teeth that have been filled or require treatment should be used as bridge retainers. Virgin teeth should not be used unless there is no realistic alternative. Should a bridge break, it cannot be repaired, and so would need to be remade. Fortunately bridges that break are extremely rare. The bridge can become loose but they can be recemented. Once teeth are prepared for a bridge, the process is irreversible. Maryland bridges do not destroy teeth but they are not as strongly held in the mouth, so are used mostly as temporary bridges.