Fixed Bridges
A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is made to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges can be supported: By natural teeth By Implants
A traditional bridge - is made by creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the space and placing a false tooth or teeth between the crowns. The crowns can be supported by natural teeth or by implants. The false tooth or teeth are attached to the crowns and fill the empty space. If the teeth receiving the crowns are healthy and strong, they probably will not need root canal therapy. However, parts of the teeth will be removed to make space for the crowns. Traditional bridges are made either of porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or ceramics.
A cantilever bridge - is held in the mouth by one or more crowns on only one side of the space where a tooth is missing.
A Maryland bonded bridge - consists of a metal framework with "wings" on each side. The wings are bonded to the back of your existing teeth. The false teeth are also bonded to the framework. This type of bridge is also called a resin-bonded bridge or an acid-etched bridge.
Bonded bridges usually are not as expensive as traditional bridges. That's because the adjacent teeth need less preparation and do not get crowns. However, these bridges are only as strong as the bonding material. Resin-bonded bridges tend not to stay cemented in place as well as other kinds in parts of the mouth where there is a lot of biting force. They also may not be the best choice if the wings will have to be small to avoid getting in the way of the bite or the gums.
Getting a bridge requires at least two visits. At the first visit, your dentist prepares the teeth and covers them with temporary crowns. The dentist may also make impressions of the teeth.
At later visits, the bridge is placed. A major reason bridges fail is that new cavities develop on the supporting teeth. These cavities occur because of poor oral hygiene. They will last longer with proper oral hygiene, which includes flossing under the bride.