What Holds Traditional Dental Bridges in Place?

A bridge is typically permanently cemented in the mouth.

A dental bridge is used to replace a gap created by missing teeth. Bridges are most commonly made with porcelain fused to a metal frame. They may be permanently affixed or they may be partial dentures which can be removed.

Teeth

A traditional bridge is anchored to the two teeth adjacent to the gap. It consists of an artificial tooth to fill the gap with a crown on each end.

Implants

In some cases there are too many teeth missing to use existing teeth for support. Tooth implants may be necessary to provide the supportive abutments.

Cement

Permanent dental cement is used to attach the crowns to the adjacent teeth or implants. Once placed, a permanent bridge can last more than ten years, according to Your Dentistry Guide.

Partial Denture

A partial denture is a removable bridge that has an artificial tooth, or teeth, to replace the missing ones, and attaches to the existing teeth on each side with a metal clasp. Over-the-counter dental adhesives may be used to make it fit more securely.

References

• Dental Treatment: Dental Bridges
• Ceatus Media Group, LLC: Bridging the Gap with a Dental Bridge
• MedicineNet, Inc.: Partial Dentures