### What Are Dental Bridges and Are They Useful? Dental bridges are used to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They consist of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth) and a false tooth/teeth in between (called pontics). These false teeth can be made from materials like gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or dental implants. #### Types of Dental Bridges 1. **Traditional Bridges**: These involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. They are the most common type and are made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. 2. **Cantilever Bridges**: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. Not very common and not recommended for the back of the mouth due to the risk of damaging other teeth. 3. **Maryland Bonded Bridges**: Made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Metal or porcelain wings are bonded to your existing teeth. 4. **Removable Bridges**: These clip onto the teeth on either side, usually with metal clasps, and can be taken out by the patient. They are typically made of metal and acrylic. 5. **Implant-Supported Bridges**: Similar to traditional bridges but supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. #### Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges **Pros**: - Restore your smile and the ability to chew and speak properly. - Maintain the shape of your face. - Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position. - Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth. **Cons**: - Can put stress on the supporting teeth, potentially weakening them. - Require good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and tooth decay around the bridge. - May need to be replaced every 5-15 years. - Can be costly, especially without insurance. #### Conclusion Dental bridges can be an effective solution for replacing missing teeth, helping you to chew, speak, and smile confidently. However, they do come with some drawbacks, such as the need for good oral hygiene and the potential for additional stress on supporting teeth. Consult with your dentist to determine the best type of bridge for your specific needs.