There
are other types of bridges as well. A cantilever bridge is held in the mouth by
one or more crowns on only one side of the space where a tooth is missing. A
Maryland bonded bridge consists of a metal framework with "wings" on
each side. The wings are bonded to the back of your existing teeth. The false
teeth are also bonded to the framework. This type of bridge is also called a
resin-bonded bridge or an acid-etched bridge. Getting a bridge requires at
least two visits, but often more. At the first visit, your dentist prepares the
teeth and covers them with temporary crowns. The dentist may also make
impressions of the teeth. On average, bridges last five to seven years. A major
reason bridges fail is that new cavities develop on the supporting teeth. These
cavities occur because of poor oral hygiene. With proper hygiene, which
includes flossing your teeth under the bridge, they will last longer.
