Georgian Bay Family Dentistry - Dental Terms & Tips (Bridge)

Dental Terms & Tips

Dental Terms

BRIDGE

A bridge comes honestly by its name. When a space is left between existing teeth as a result of a missing tooth, one or more, a bridge becomes the ideal means for securing the replacement teeth. The replacement teeth will be attached to two crowns constructed for the two teeth on either side of the open space. Thus, the term, bridge. When even a single tooth is missing, the other teeth may drift and so it is necessary to replace the teeth as soon as possible. In addition to the drifting, the patient's bite may change, possibly resulting in sore jaws, gum disease, or decay where hygiene becomes more difficult to maintain. A bridge is not removable by the patient. Like other types of crowns, a bridge can be made of metal or porcelain, or a combination of these.

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