Bridges

A bridge is a permanently cemented restoration that spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. Your appearance, dental health and the proper functioning of your mouth are all important reasons for a bridge.

Teeth work together. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may shift up or down toward the space. This can alter bite and place unusual stress on both teeth and tissues in your mouth. In addition, due to increased stress, the gum tissues and the bone that hold teeth in place can break down.

Teeth that have tipped are difficult to clean, making them more likely to decay. As a result, even more teeth may eventually be lost. Missing teeth can also affect the way you chew and speak. Chewing on one side only may cause stress in your mouth and jaw joint. You also need your teeth to speak properly.

When there has been the loss of a tooth or teeth and there is a tooth on both sides of the open space, replacement teeth can be attached to two crowns constructed for the 2 teeth on either side of the open space. This is called a bridge because it bridges the open space.

A fixed bridge is used to replace one or several teeth. The teeth on each end of the space is used to as anchors (abutments). Bridges are not removable by the patient.

CARE FOR BRIDGES

Brush and floss daily all areas around the bridge .It is not possible to floss between the replacement tooth and the attaching crowns (it is made as a solid piece). In order to solve this problem – it is necessary to use a special type of floss to go under the replacement tooth and keep this area of gum tissue healthy.