Dental bridges are a way of 'bridging the gap' to fill in the space left by a missing tooth. They usually consist of crowns on the adjacent teeth, and a false tooth to fill the gap, which can be made of gold, porcelain, or a mixture of materials. They are great for those who want to restore confidence in their smile and improve their overall appearance. This brief guide explains who should get bridges, what types of bridges exist, and what getting bridges is like. 

Who are dental bridges for?

Dental bridges are suitable for a range of people, especially ones who have only one missing tooth, with healthy teeth on either side. WebMD also explains that they are good for those who want a more balanced bite, or those who want to improve their ability to speak and chew. You should speak to your dentist if you are interested in dental bridges.

What types of dental bridges can you get?

There are a few types of dental bridges. The kind you get depends on your existing teeth, and your dentist will be able to recommend the best type for you. WebMD gives an overview of the sorts of dental bridges you may get, with the most common being the traditional bridge. With traditional bridges, a crown is installed on the two adjacent teeth, and then a false tooth known as a pontic is fitted between the crowns. There is also a variation on this known as a cantilever bridge, used when there is only a tooth on one side of the missing tooth. There are also Maryland bonded bridges, where wings on one or both sides of a dental implant are bonded to the existing teeth. 

What is the process for getting dental bridges?

You will need to make an appointment with your dentist, who will examine your teeth and help you decide whether bridges are for you. Colgate explains how your dentist will usually begin by preparing the adjacent teeth for a crown, as well as taking impressions to ensure that your bridge will be the right size and shape. The permanent bridge will be placed in your mouth in the next appointment, and the dentist will check the fit. Your dentist may give you a temporary bridge to wear until your permanent one is ready.

If you are curious about getting dental bridges, and how they differ from other options such as dental implants, speak to your dentist about your options. Bridges are a fantastic option for many people, as they can last for many years with proper care and require little extra care compared to natural teeth. 

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