Types of dental bridges

Types of dental bridges

24th August 2020

Most adults from 20-65 years of age are missing one tooth on an average or have 3 diseased teeth that they will eventually lose. Missing teeth and the gaps caused by them affect your life in ways that you could never think.

Hence finding the right replacement is the key to your confident smile and oral hygiene. One of the most popular options is using dental bridges.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a pontic (false tooth) that is used to close or bridge the gap due to missing teeth. They are held in place by using the teeth on either side of the gap as abutments. Dental bridges can be made with a variety of materials like gold. However, your dentist would recommend porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth.

Why Do I Need Dental Bridges?

A missing tooth or teeth can affect you in multiple ways. These changes can be addressed by a dental bridge for:

• Preventing your remaining teeth from moving out of the correct position.
• Re-adjusting your bite to properly distribute forces while chewing.
• Maintaining the shape of the face.
• Restoring your pronunciation and speech.
• Restoring your ability to chew properly.
• Restoring your smile.

When Do Dental Bridges Become Necessary?

A professional dentist would recommend dental bridges over implants due to their many advantages. Also, when you can’t get implants for medical reasons, your dentist would suggest dental bridges for tooth loss due to:

• Old age
• Medications
• Periodontal disease
• Trauma or injury
• Severe tooth decay

What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

1.    Implant-Supported Bridges

As implied by the name, these dental bridges use dental implants as opposed to metal frameworks or crowns. Usually, one implant is placed surgically for every missing tooth, and these implants support and hold the bridge in place.

These dental bridges are often used for restoring teeth like molars and premolars as they are the strongest system. However, using too many implants can lead to implant failure or rejections.

2.    Composite Bridges

If you’re looking for an affordable and easy solution for replacing one or two teeth, composite bridges fit the bill. They are made and installed in a single visit by placing the composite bonding material directly into the tooth cavity.

An additional reinforcing wire or Ribbond can be used to provide more strength to the composite bridge. However, they are considered temporary and can be used by people with periodontal disease.

3.    Maryland Bridges

They are commonly referred to as winged bridges or resin-bonded bridges that are designed with plastic teeth. The metal frame is bonded to the existing anchor teeth and is used as a fortifying system. This system is efficient for the front teeth or incisors and canines.

Your dentist will make minimal adjustments to the contour of the abutment teeth making it cost-effective and easy. However, if you have a crossbite or a deep bite, you might require another option for dental bridges.

4. Cantilever Bridges

When there is only one anchor tooth available for supporting the dental bridge, a cantilever bridge is the best option for filling the missing tooth gap. Saving money and time, cantilever bridges can work well if designed for the front teeth.

A good dentist will always consider the biting force when designing a cantilever bridge. The bridge is not suitable for use in the back tooth as a lot of bite force will be put on the abutment tooth.

5. Traditional Bridges

They are the most popular dental bridges used for restoring lost teeth when you have natural teeth or implantson either side of the gap. They are lightweight and provide excellent chewing comfort by distributing the normal bite force evenly along the jawbone.

If you maintain an optimum level of dental hygiene at home, these implants can last a long time. However, a lot of enamel will be removed from the abutment teeth and they will need to be protected by well-fitted crowns.

What Is the Procedure for Dental Bridges?

The entire procedure for dental bridges may require a minimum of two appointments or sittings.

Visit-1: Tooth Preparation and Temporary Bridge

During the first visit, local anesthesia is administered to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. All abutment teeth are shaped and filed by remove enamel to provide a clear path to the other tooth.

After shaping the teeth, impressions are sent to dental labs where custom dental bridges are created. A temporary bridge will be placed over the newly shaped teeth and the gap with or without implants.

Visit-2: Permanent Bridge Placement

On returning for your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed after providing a local anesthetic. Then by using dental cement and x-rays of the bridge, your dentist will ensure that the bridge fits properly and is perfectly bonded.

How Much Does It Cost?

Many variables affect the price of dental bridges including:

• Complexity or difficulty of the placement
• Geographic location
• Materials used, such as zirconia, metal alloy covered in resin, or composite resin
• Number of teeth needed to fill the gap
• Additional treatments for other dental issues, like gum disease

The type of bridge that you select will further define the price.

• An implant-supported bridge could cost £5,000-£15,000 to bridge a gap of three to four teeth by two dental implants.
• A Maryland bridge costs £1,500-£2,500 for one pontic with the framework or wings attached to the abutment teeth.
• Cantilever or traditional bridges cost £2,000-£5,000 for one pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth.

What Dental Bridge Aftercare Will Be Required?

Most dental bridges last for five to seven years but require a commitment to oral care from you. Make this your regular habit.

• Brush at least twice a day and rinse with mouthwash often.
• Use water floss or super floss instead of the traditional dental floss.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, to manage the pain.
• Avoid sticky, hard, chewy, and extremely cold foods.

What Should I Do Next?

Using dental bridges is always a viable teeth-replacement method as compared to using dental implants. You can even customize your dental treatment plans with your dentist and consult them for a suitable dental bridge.

The different types of dental bridges serve different needs and oral situations of the patients. You can use our guide to choose a suitable option depending on your budget and oral situation.