Understanding Fixed And Removable Bridges
If you have one or more teeth missing from the same palate, your dentist may suggest a dental bridge. The device bridges the space left by the missing teeth, alleviating the gap in the mouth.
A dental bridge may be fixed or removable. Fixed bridges are permanent appliances, while removable bridges are not.
Here is a bit of information about fixed and removable dental bridges to help you better understand them.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges include one or more false teeth that are bordered by crowns. The crowns are placed over the abutment teeth that border the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. Cement is used to bond the crowns to the underlying teeth.
To prepare for the placement of a fixed bridge, the dentist must remove some tooth enamel from the abutment teeth. The removal of tooth material causes irreparable damage to the teeth but ensures that that the bridge fits flush in the mouth without changing the bite.
The connections to the abutment teeth are permanent. Thus, the fixed appliance is not removable.
Here are some of the benefits of a fixed bridge:
- Natural functionality. Due to the stability of the device, it can masticate like natural teeth.
- Stability during mastication. The bridge does not shift about as you chew.
- Natural appearance. The fixed appliance is difficult to discern from natural teeth. The color can even be matched to that of the patient's natural tooth material.
- No special cleaning process. The appliance can be brushed like natural teeth, and string floss can be used for interdental spaces.
- Prevention of dental migration. They fill the gap from the missing teeth to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
Removable Bridges
Removal bridges, which are also called partial dentures, are not permanently attached to the mouth. Instead, the devices include false teeth attached to a plastic base. The partial denture attaches in the mouth using small connective mechanisms that allow the device to connect to the abutment teeth or dental implants.
To remove the bridge, the wearer can simply release the attachment mechanisms.
Here are some of the benefits of a removable bridge.
- Ease of cleaning. The appliance can be removed and placed in a denture-cleaning solution.
- Noninvasive installation. Removable dentures don't require permanent damage to the abutment teeth.
- Clear speech. Bridges, whether removable or fixed, can restore the patient's ability to speak clearly.
To learn more about dental bridges, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.