A Permanent Appliance That Replaces Missing Teeth
A dental bridge is a permanent appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth. It has several pieces that are put together so they fit into the open space where your tooth (or teeth) used to be. All Ceramic Post And Core
Dental bridges are an alternative to partial dentures. A bridge can help you eat and speak better and improve how your teeth look.
A dental bridge can be made of different materials, including gold, alloys, or porcelain. When replacing a front tooth, porcelain is most often used because it can be matched to your natural tooth color.
This article will go over the different kinds of dental bridges. You will learn more about how much a dental bridge costs, the benefits of dental bridges, and what to expect if you need to get one placed.
The artificial teeth used in dental bridges are called pontics . You'll have a pontic for each missing tooth. A pontic is made to be close in shape and size to the tooth that's missing.
Dental bridges offer support to teeth but do not replace them. Dental implants replace the root of a tooth. While bridges wear out and you will need a new one eventually, implants are permanent.
Pontics are anchored to a tooth next to the gap (abutment teeth) or to a dental implant.
The four types of dental bridges are:
The cost of a dental bridge will depend on how much work needs to be done and the type of bridge you get.
Your overall oral health will also factor in, as you might need treatment for problems like gum disease before the process of getting a dental bridge can start.
If you have dental insurance, some or all of the cost of a dental bridge might be covered.
The cost of a dental bridge without insurance can range from $700 to several thousand dollars per tooth. It could easily cost $2500 for a dental bridge and can cost up to $5000. If you need multiple teeth with implants and a bridge, it could be over $10,000.
Not everyone is a good candidate for a dental bridge. You will need to talk to your dentist about whether it would be beneficial for you to get a bridge.
Factors that make you a good candidate for a dental bridge include:
Dental bridges can provide many benefits, including:
Dental bridges do have some disadvantages and potential risks that you should be aware of, including:
For most dental bridges, you'll need to have at least two procedures performed. The process of getting a dental bridge can take a long time.
A Maryland bridge requires fewer appointments than the other types of dental bridges because the abutment teeth do not need to be prepared.
Regardless of the type of bridge you go with, your dentist will need to take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth that the lab will use to shape the components of the bridge.
The first step to getting a traditional fixed or cantilever dental bridge is preparing the abutment tooth/teeth.
Your dentist will start by removing some of the enamel and dentin from the abutment teeth to make space for the crowns. Then, they'll place a temporary bridge over those teeth to protect them until the bridge is placed.
During a later appointment, your dentist will:
Sometimes, the bridge is permanently cemented during this procedure. However, your dentist may choose to use temporary cement instead, which gives you time to make sure the bridge fits before it is made permanent.
For a Maryland bridge, all that needs to happen to your abutment teeth is a little etching on the back side, which helps the wings bond to it.
Once it's tested for proper fit, your dentist will:
An implant-supported bridge requires surgery to place the implants in your jawbone followed by a period of recovery.
The healing time for an implant-supported bridge varies depending on where in your mouth the implants are and whether your jawbone needs to be built up to support the implants.
You may have a temporary bridge to wear until your next procedure when your dentist will place the permanent bridge over the implants. This procedure involves small incisions in the gums, so healing time is longer than it is with other types of bridges.
Dental bridges are considered "permanent" because you can't take them out like you can dentures. That said, a dental bridge won’t last forever.
The average dental bridge lasts between five and seven years. With proper care, some bridges can last more than a decade. Advances in dental bridge materials and methods are likely to make them even more durable in the future.
The best way to get the most out of your dental bridge is to take care of it.
Good oral hygiene is important if you have a dental bridge because you want to keep your remaining teeth strong and healthy.
Having good oral health is also important if you want your bridge to last as long as possible.
Just as you do for your natural teeth, you’ll need to brush and floss your bridge at least twice each day.
Your dentist or dental hygienist will show you how to properly floss and clean around your bridge.
It's also important to see your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and exams.
Right after your bridge is placed, you will need to be very careful about what you eat as your mouth is healing.
Your dentist will give you specific instructions to follow during that time.
In the long term, certain foods can cause problems for dental bridges or abutment teeth. If you want your bridge to last and avoid damaging it, you'll have to avoid these foods.
Foods you should avoid if you have a dental bridge include:
There are advantages and disadvantages to getting a dental bridge, but with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a dental bridge can be an effective, long-lasting solution to missing teeth.
Certain factors will determine who is a good candidate for a dental bridge. Your dentist can help you decide if a dental bridge is right for you, as well as which type of dental bridge will be the best choice.
A cantilever bridge is one type of dental bridge. It has an artificial tooth called a pontic that's connected to one abutment tooth (metal connector).
Cantilever bridges are not common today. This type of bridge was mostly used for people who only had teeth on one side of a gap.
A Maryland dental bridge (resin-bonded bridge) is often used if a person is missing front teeth. This type of dental bridge uses porcelain fused with a metal framework that connects to existing teeth.
You may need a bone graft before you get a dental bridge if you've had a tooth taken out.
As is the case with most dental procedures, you may have some pain and discomfort after a dental bridge procedure as your mouth is healing and adjusting. Once you've recovered, your dental bridge should not hurt or be uncomfortable.
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By Sherry Christiansen Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research.
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