Types of Dental Bridges: There are three common types of dental bridges:

1. 1. Traditional Bridge: This widely used bridge type is typically crafted from ceramics or porcelain fused to metal. It involves creating dental crowns for the abutment teeth on either side of the gap and placing a pontic between them.
   2. Cantilever Bridge: When a patient lacks adjacent teeth on both sides of the missing tooth, a cantilever bridge is employed. It involves preparing the adjacent abutment teeth next to each other and attaching the pontic to one end.
   3. Maryland Bridge: Comprising a metal framework with the pontic affixed to metal or porcelain wings, this bridge is cemented onto the two abutment teeth. It offers a more conservative alternative to traditional bridges.

Dental Appointments for Bridges: The dental bridge procedure typically involves multiple appointments. During the initial visit, the dentist prepares the abutment teeth by removing some enamel. Impressions of your teeth are then taken, and the bridge, crowns, and pontic are fabricated in a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge is provided while the permanent one is being made.

Subsequent appointments involve the removal of the temporary bridge and the placement of the permanent one, ensuring a secure fit. Multiple visits may be necessary to ensure proper fitting.

Maintaining Your Dental Bridge: Caring for a permanent bridge is similar to maintaining natural teeth. Proper cleaning between the teeth and pontic with a proxy brush or dental floss is essential, along with regular brushing using fluoride toothpaste. Routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial for reducing cavities and gum inflammation.