What are fixed bridges?
Fixed bridges replace missing teeth. Bridges are usually made of gold, other metals, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.
Your dentist will recommend the type that’s suitable for you.
Why are fixed bridges necessary?
Many people who lose a back tooth are inclined to do nothing to replace it. After all, the tooth never was visible. Unfortunately, losing a tooth can start
a vicious cycle of destruction.
In a healthy mouth, the teeth have a natural balance. Each upper tooth connects with the corresponding lower tooth, allowing for well-balanced chewing. Losing
a tooth quickly destroys this balance.
The adult mouth has 28 teeth (14 upper and 14 lower). The teeth work as a team. Each tooth has three or four companion teeth: the two neighboring teeth, and one
or two opposite biting partners.
These companion teeth provide support and stability. Drifting, shifting, periodontal disease and abnormal decay can occur when a tooth loses support of a companion tooth.
Left untreated, this neighboring tooth will be lost. Then, the next tooth, and the next, and so on. With each lost tooth, the problems are magnified and the cycle continues.
* Several things can occur if a tooth is missing and there is no bridge for support.
An example: A lower molar has been lost. Its neighbors and biting partners are jeopardized. This is what can happen:
- The opposing molar may over–erupt (drift down).
- The unprotected ridge is subject to trauma.
- The neighbor teeth tilt, destroying proper functional balance.
- Drifting teeth create food impact areas where decay starts.
- Drifting teeth increase the risk of periodontal disease.
- Bone is destroyed as teeth drift and tip.
What will a fixed bridge do?
A fixed bridge will accomplish the following:
- Replace missing teeth.
- Help balance a normal bite.
- Help prevent unnatural stress on the dental ridge.
- Prevent over-eruption of opposing teeth.
- Prevent drift and tilt of adjacent teeth.
- Help prevent formation of decay in abnormal areas.
- Help delay the onset of periodontal disease.
How is a fixed bridge attached?
A typical bridge has two crowns (artificial teeth) linked by a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth fills the gap of the lost tooth.
Your natural teeth on either side of the gap are shaped so the crowns can fit over them.
Sometimes bridges have other designs. Your dentist can tell you which design is appropriate for you.
Follow up
A bridge will replace missing teeth. If teeth were lost because you weren’t taking care of your teeth and mouth as well as you should have been,
then now’s a good time to start practicing good oral hygiene. Brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly for cleaning and checkups.
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