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

As the name of this appliance implies, the bridge is made out of three pieces that fit into the open space in the mouth, “bridging” the gap. Most bridges are made of a pontic tooth (or false tooth), held together by two crowns (a “cap” that covers the tooth, approximating its normal size and shape). This trio is then attached (cemented) to the abutment teeth (the surrounding teeth of each side of the gap).

Nearly everyone who has one or more missing teeth is a candidate for a dental bridge. However, the difference between proper and improper oral hygiene is, generally, what determines the success of the dental bridge.

There are several different types of dental bridges. Your dentist or oral health specialist will recommend the most appropriate one for your mouth condition and the location of the missing tooth or 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). This trio is then attached (cemented) to the abutment teeth (the surrounding teeth of each side of the gap).

Resin bonded bridge (also known as a “Maryland” bridge) – this type of bridge involves the pontic (false) teeth being fused together to metal bands, bonded to the back of the abutment teeth with a resin cement. This type of procedure is common when the teeth missing are in the front of the mouth.

Cantilever bridge – this type of procedure is most appropriate when there is only one abutment tooth on either side of the span.