Types of dental bridges

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

Finding the right replacement is key to a confident smile and good 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 teeth on either side of the gap, which serve as abutments or supports. Dental bridges can be made with a variety of materials, such as porcelain, which your dentist may recommend to blend in with your natural teeth aesthetically.

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 or shifting.
• Re-adjusting your bite to distribute forces while chewing properly and maintain 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 may recommend dental bridges over implants because of their 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 the name implies, these dental bridges use dental implants instead of 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 to restore teeth like molars and premolars, as they are the strongest option. However, using too many implants can lead to implant failure or rejection.

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 strengthen 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 acts as a reinforcing system. This system is efficient for front teeth, including 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 only one anchor tooth is available to support 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 the back teeth, as a lot of biting force will be placed on the abutment tooth.

5. Traditional Bridges

They are the most popular dental bridges used to restore lost teeth when you have natural teeth or implants on 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 optimal 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 at least 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 removing 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 is placed over the newly shaped teeth and the gap, with or without implants.

Visit 2: Permanent Bridge Placement. At your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed after a local anesthetic is administered. ed Then, 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 five to seven years but require a commitment to oral care; 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 Dental

Dental bridges are a tooth replacement option with dental implants. You can customize your dental treatment plan with your dentist and consult them about a suitable dental bridge.

Different types of dental bridges serve different needs and oral situations. Use our guide to choose a suitable option based on your budget and oral situation.