Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. These appliances are cemented into place and are not removable by the patient.

A bridge is made out of three parts that are used to replace the missing teeth: a pontic tooth (or false tooth), held together by two crowns(a "cap" that covers the adjoining tooth, approximating its normal size and shape). This three(or more)-piece appliance is then cemented to the abutment teeth (the teeth adjacent to the gap where teeth are missing).

Ideal Candidates for Dental bridge

Nearly everyone who has one or more missing teeth is a candidate for a dental bridge. However, several factors affect the success and longevity of the dental bridge. Some of these are the presence of existing gum disease and its extent, any shifting of teeth that might have occured of adjacent and opposing teeth and very importantly, the level of oral hygiene maintained.

Types of Dental bridges

There are several different types of dental bridges. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable one for you, based on the number and position of missing teeth.

Traditional bridge – a pontic tooth (or false tooth) is held together by two crowns (a "cap" that covers the tooth, approximating its normal size and shape)and cemented to the abutment teeth (the teeth adjoining the missing teeth).

Resin bonded bridge (also called "Maryland" bridge) – in this type of bridge, the pontic (false) tooth is held in place by wing-like metal extensions and bonded to the back of the abutment teeth with a resin cement. This type of procedure is applied more often when the teeth missing are in the front of the mouth. These types of bridges are considered to be more conservative of tooth structure but have a greater chance of debonding.

Cantilever bridge – this type of procedure is most appropriate when there are abutment teeth on one side of the missing tooth and no teeth on the other side.

Dental Bridges and Oral Health Care

The following are standard recommendations for all people but more so for patients with crowns and bridges in their mouth:

  • Always brush your teeth after every meal with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, as food may become lodged especially around the bridge causing the gums and teeth to become inflamed. This may lead to complications such as bone loss, resulting in the eventual loss of the bridge.
  • Floss twice a day. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend using a floss threader or a product like Superfloss to get underneath the bridge for optimum cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Schedule regular hygiene visits as recommended by your dentist.
  • Limit your sugar and starch intake, especially snacking between meals, as debris left behind from these types of foods are converted into damaging acids which promote plaque formation.
  • Avoid sticky snacks. This includes foods such as popcorn, hard or chew candy, caramel, and/or nuts. Try to munch on healthy snacks such as baby carrots, apples etc. Always brush after a snack.

Dental Bridge Durability

Most bridges last upto 8 to 10 years with proper oral care and hygiene maintenance.


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This article is

Medically Reviewed by 

Dr. Smita Warrier

Dr. Smita Warrier graduated dental school in 2004 from Tufts University in Boston. She relocated to Charlotte shortly after and started her practice in Ballantyne in 2007. She is very passionate about dentistry and providing top-notch care to her patients. 

She is a member of the American Dental Association as well as local and state dental organizations. She feels very strongly about staying abreast of the latest technologies and treatment care modalities and dedicates many hours in continuing education. 

She has been an Invisalign certified provider since 2006.

16143 Lancaster Highway,
Suite 101
Charlotte, NC – 28277

704 544 5500

Mon – Thu: 8am – 4:30pm
Friday: By Appointment
Sat – Sun: Closed

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