fixed dental bridge

Dr. Foster will often consider dental bridges for people who have missing teeth and practice good oral hygiene.  If you have spaces created by missing teeth, your remaining teeth may begin to shift out of position and become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease as they take on the additional force of the missing tooth/teeth.  A replacement will not only help control these issues, 

Typically, there are two types of fixed dental bridges:

• Traditional Fixed Bridge: A fixed bridge is a false tooth fused between two porcelain crowns and is used to fill in an area left by a missing tooth.   The two crowns, which hold the false tooth, are attached to the teeth on each side of the missing tooth.  A fixed bridge can replace one or more missing teeth and cannot be removed like a partial denture.  Fixed bridges are commonly used to replace a missing tooth as they are comfortable and can last a long time.  At our office, we make the bridge on-site using our CEREC Cad Cam system with no metal.  The downside to a bridge is the two opposing teeth must also treated and the wearer must floss properly under the false tooth to maintain healthy gums.  In addition, bone resorption will continue to be a problem.  See "Missing Tooth Options" for more info.

• Implant Supported Bridge:  Is a traditional fixed bridge but supported by implants instead of natural teeth.  This is an excellent choice when back teeth are missing giving no anchor tooth to use, or when multiple teeth are missing spanning a larger area.  Unfortunately, due to the rigidity of the implant, a bridge between an implant and a natural tooth can not be done.  See our Computer Guided Implants page for more about this option.

• Bonded Bridges (also known as a Maryland Bridge or Winged Bridge):  Bonded bridges are used primarily on the front teeth.  This bridge is most successful when the surrounding teeth are healthy and don't have large fillings. Most dentists have their lab create this bridge and use metal "wings."  Using our CEREC Cad Cam system, the false tooth is fused to all porcelain ceramic "sleeves" or "wings" that are bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin which is hidden from view (no metal needed).  Bonded bridges reduce the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth, however they are not as strong as the traditional fixed bridge and may not last as long.

• Cantilever Bridge:  Is two crowns fused together, but with no support on one side.  This type of bridge is not as strong as a traditional fixed bridge, but may be indicated due to other issues.  

OTHER OPTIONS - Though a fixed bridge can be a great choice, it will need to be replaced eventually and most importantly, it does not address the concern of "bone resorption."  See our page on "Missing Teeth" for more information.