What's a Dental Bridge?

It's important to take care of missing teeth because the remaining teeth may start to shift into the open space. When your teeth shift in this fashion, it can cause pain in the joint of the jaw (temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ). Shifting teeth can also change your bite and the alignment of the remaining teeth. If you're missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge can solve that problem. The bridge is simply a base for the prosthetic tooth and may be cemented into place or made to be removable.

How Does a Bridge Work?

A dental bridge actually bridges or spans the area where you have a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge is the support piece for one or more prosthetic teeth. In most cases, the bridge is cemented into place between two natural teeth called abutments, which serve to anchor the bridge. Sometimes, the bridge is made to be removable; this type of bridge is called a partial plate.

What Are Bridges Made Of?

The bridge itself is usually made of metal and plastic. The prosthetic tooth can be made of ceramic or porcelain, or of a composite resin. The teeth on a bridge are shaped to match your natural teeth and can be color-matched to your remaining teeth. Prosthetic teeth cannot be whitened, so if you plan to have this done, take care of it before your bridge is made. Talk to your dentist about which materials offer the best choice for your situation.

How Do I Care for a Dental Bridge?

Your dental bridge requires the same care as your natural teeth. You should continue to floss once a day and brush twice a day. See your dentist for regular check-ups and preventive cleaning and care. Your bridge should stand up to normal wear and tear and will probably last a lifetime. However, a bridge can break, so it's important not to use your teeth as tools. Don't chew ice or eat foods like hard candies, which can break both the bridge and your natural teeth.