Many problems can occur if missing teeth aren’t replaced. The rest of your teeth begin to shift, which can change your bite, making your jaw sore. Moving teeth can increase your chances for gum disease and tooth decay as oral hygiene becomes more difficult to maintain with a mouth of shifting teeth. Speech is also more difficult if you have missing teeth.

Bridge Basics

One of your options when facing missing teeth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is also known as a pontic and is permanently placed between two healthy teeth. The bridge is held in place by porcelain crowns. The area on each tooth that will anchor the bridge is called an abutment. Often times an area on each abutment needs to be removed in order to accommodate the width of the crown.

First, impressions will be made and a temporary bridge will be placed to keep your teeth from moving. The temporary is called a dental flipper. It can be attached with a wire or plastic piece that fits in your mouth. This is only temporary until your bridge is ready. Then a dental lab will create a bridge made just for you. Your dentist will place the bridge in your mouth and anchor it to your natural teeth.

Maintaining Your Bridge

A bridge is a permanent solution to missing teeth. Once cemented into your mouth, it cannot move. Good oral hygiene is going to be crucial because you will not be able to remove your new bridge.

In virtually any drug store you can purchase special flossers -- some brand names are BridgeAid® and Glide® Threader Floss. This is special floss that will help you to reach under your replaced teeth. This is going to be paramount to the care of your bridge. Excellent oral hygiene is a must.

Types of Dental Bridges

- Traditional Fixed Bridge -- Most common type of bridge as described above. This restoration will absorb light, creating a natural-looking smile.

- Resin Bonded Bridge -- A less expensive, false tooth fused to metal bands and bonded to abutment teeth with resin, minimizes the amount of preparation needed for adjacent teeth. This type of restoration will actually reflect light, creating an unnatural look.

- Cantilever Bridge -- This is used in areas of your mouth that are under less stress, will anchor false tooth on only one side over one or more adjacent teeth.

If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge might be the right decision for you. Speak to your dentist and find out if this is the permanent solution for your missing teeth.

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