A dental bridge is a permanent appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth. It has several pieces that fit together to fit the open space where your tooth (or teeth) used to be.
Dental bridges are an alternative to partial dentures. A bridge can help you eat and speak better and improve the appearance of your teeth.
A dental bridge can be made of different materials, such as gold, alloys or porcelain. When replacing a front tooth, porcelain is most often used because it can match the natural color of your teeth.
This article will look at the different types of dental bridges. You’ll learn more about how much a dental bridge costs, the benefits of dental bridges, and what to expect if you need one.
Types of Dental Bridges
The artificial teeth used in dental bridges are called Pontic. You will have a mouse for each missing tooth. A bridge is made to be close in shape and size to the missing tooth.
Dental bridge vs dental implant
Dental bridges support the teeth but do not replace them. Dental implants replace the root of a tooth. While bridges wear out and you’ll need a new one eventually, implants are permanent.
Mice are anchored to a tooth adjacent to the gap (abutment teeth) or to a dental implant.
The four types of dental bridges are:
- Traditional fixed bridges are the the most common type of bridge. Includes crown on either side of the Pontic(s).
- Maryland dental bridges or resin bridges they are often used to replace front teeth. Instead of crowns, this type of dental bridge uses porcelain or metal frames with “wings” that are attached to the back of your teeth on either side of the gap.
- Implant-supported bridges use one an implant for any missing tooth that has been surgically implanted into your jawbone during a surgical procedure. The bridge has the Pontic means and will go over them in a second process.
- Cantilever bridges are no longer commonly used. When only one side of the gap has a natural tooth, the abutment(s) are anchored with a single crown to that natural tooth.
Cost of Dental Bridges
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 be affected, as you may need treatment for problems such as gum disease before the dental bridge procedure begins.
If you have dental insurance, some or all of the cost of a dental bridge may 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.
Should you get a dental bridge?
Not everyone is a good candidate for a dental bridge. You will need to talk to your dentist about whether getting a bridge would be beneficial for you.
Factors that make you a good candidate for a dental bridge include:
- One or more permanent teeth are missing
- In general good health (eg no serious medical conditions, infections or other health problems)
- Having healthy teeth and strong bone structure to support the bridge
- Having good oral health
- Can perform proper oral hygiene to maintain the condition of the dental bridge
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can offer many benefits, including:
- Giving your mouth and smile a natural look
- Restoring your ability to speak normally, as missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce words (pronunciation)
- Maintaining normal facial structure by preventing bone loss from the jaw to the site of the missing tooth/teeth
- It helps you chew food better
- Preventing neighboring teeth from moving into the gap, which can cause problems with your bite and other complications
Dangers of dental bridges
Dental bridges have some disadvantages and potential risks that you should be aware of, including:
- Future damage to the abutment teeth can compromise the bridge.
- Bacteria and plaque can get inside an ill-fitting bridge or crown and cause tooth decay.
- Crowns can change the structure of your teeth and affect your bite.
- A bridge can collapse if the abutment teeth are not strong enough to support it.
- Support teeth may be weakened by the procedure or procedures and may need to be replaced by dental implants.
Download dental bridge
For most dental bridges, you will need to have at least two procedures. The process of getting a dental bridge can take a long time.
A Maryland bridge requires fewer appointments than other types of dental bridges because the abutment teeth do not need to be prepared.
No matter what 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 mold the bridge components.
Traditional or Cantilever Bridge
The first step to getting a traditional fixed or cantilever dental bridge is to prepare the abutment tooth/tooth.
Your dentist will start by removing some of the enamel and dentin from the supporting teeth to make room for the crowns. They will then place a temporary bridge over these teeth to protect them until the bridge is placed.
At a later appointment, your dentist will:
- Remove temporary crowns
- Check the permanent crowns and bridge to make sure they fit
- Secure the bridge in place
Sometimes, the bridge is permanently cemented during this process. However, your dentist may choose to use temporary cement, which gives you time to make sure the bridge fits before it becomes permanent.
Maryland Bridge
For a Maryland bridge, all that needs to happen to your teeth at the base is a small notch on the back side, which helps the wings connect to it.
Once checked for proper fit, your dentist will:
- Place the bridge
- Attach the metal wings to the support teeth with a strong resin
- Polymerize the resin
Implant-supported bridge
An implant-supported bridge requires surgery to place the implants in your jawbone, followed by a recovery period.
Healing time for an implant-supported bridge varies depending on where in your mouth the implants are located and whether your jawbone needs to be built up to support the implants.
You may have a temporary bridge to wear until your next surgery, 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 with other types of bridges.
Dental Bridge Care
Dental bridges are considered “permanent” because you can’t take them out like you can with dentures. That said, a dental bridge won’t last forever.
The average dental bridge lasts from five to 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.
How to make your dental bridge last
Good oral hygiene is important if you have a dental bridge because you want to keep the remaining teeth strong and healthy.
Good oral health is also important if you want your bridge to last as long as possible.
Just like you do for your natural teeth, you should brush and floss your bridge at least twice a day.
Your dentist or dental hygienist will show you how to properly floss and clean your bridge.
It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and examinations.
Dietary Changes
Immediately after your bridge is placed, you should be very careful about what you eat as your mouth heals.
Your dentist will give you specific instructions to follow during this period.
In the long term, certain foods can cause problems with dental bridges or supporting teeth. If you want your bridge to last and not ruin it, you should avoid these foods.
Foods to avoid if you have a dental bridge include:
- Gummy/sticky candy (can pull crowns off abutment teeth)
- Hard candies or snacks
- Sugary foods (can cause tooth decay under the crowns)
- Pop corn
- nuts
Summary
There are pros and cons to getting a dental bridge, but with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a dental bridge can be an effective, long-term solution to missing teeth.
A number of 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.
