Dental bridges are prosthetic devices designed to fill the gaps left by missing teeth, functioning much like an architectural bridge to connect the spaces in your smile. They consist of one or more false teeth, known as pontics, which are held in place by dental crowns attached to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth are called abutments.
The bridge works by distributing chewing forces evenly across your bite, which helps restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Beyond aesthetics, bridges perform the critical role of preventing adjacent healthy teeth from shifting out of position, thereby maintaining your jaw alignment and supporting overall gum health.
There are several types of bridges tailored to specific needs:
- Traditional bridges: Use crowns on both sides of the gap.
- Maryland bridges: Use wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, often for front teeth.
- Cantilever bridges: Anchor to only one adjacent tooth.
- Implant-supported bridges: Use titanium posts instead of natural teeth for support.
With proper daily hygiene and regular dental checkups, these fixed restorations typically last between 5 and 15 years.
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