Dental bridges are used to bridge gaps that may be formed due to missing teeth. They are essentially a series of dental crowns placed on either side of the gap and they are supported by the anchoring teeth. There are several advantages of fixed dental bridges, as they can help you chew better, speak better, and they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile. Call us to learn how dental bridges in Clute can change your life and what you can do to get started.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
The following are the primary advantages of dental bridges:
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They give you a smile makeover.
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You can chew and speak properly because of the restored teeth.
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Helps maintain the shape of your face.
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The new teeth help distribute the force of your bite.
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The remaining teeth don’t start drifting but remain in place.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four different types of dental bridges:
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are the most popular, and they include one or more fake teeth (known as pontics) held in place by dental crowns. The dental crowns are cemented in place next to the missing teeth to provide support to the dental bridge. The biggest issue here is that the dentist will have to shave off some of the enamel from the surrounding teeth so that dental crowns can be placed over them. That makes it a permanent dental bridge procedure. As such, these teeth will always need dental crowns because enamel doesn’t grow back, and the teeth will be exposed.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever dental bridges are also similar to traditional dental bridges. However, in this case, the fake teeth are supported by just one abutment dental bridge. As such, if there’s one natural tooth next to the gap, then a dental crown will be placed over it so that the bridge can be secured. This is also a permanent dental bridge because the dentist will need to shave the enamel off the abutment tooth in order to prepare it for the dental crown.
Maryland Dental Bridges
Maryland dental bridges are those in which the fake teeth (pontics) are held in place by metallic or porcelain abutments bonded to the back of the teeth next to the gap. In this case, however, the surrounding teeth don’t have to be shaved because there’s no need for dental crowns. This makes Maryland dental bridges a temporary dental bridge option.
However, these bridges are weaker than their counterparts because the framework may get between your gums, and its strength is determined by the strength of the resin abutments. As such, Maryland dental bridges aren’t suitable for use in areas like the molars because of the high biting force.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
If you have more than one missing tooth, then a series of dental implants can be positioned, and the dental bridge can be secured over the implants. They feel extremely comfortable — just like natural teeth. The biggest issue here is that the whole process can take several months and involves two surgical procedures. During the first surgery, dental implants will be placed. During the second surgery, the dental bridge will be placed on the implants.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The following is a brief overview of the steps involved in a dental bridge procedure:
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During your first session, the dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth to determine the correct course of action.
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Next, the abutment teeth will be prepared, which may involve shaving them in preparation for dental crowns.
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Impressions of the teeth will be taken to create accurate dental bridges. The tooth shade will also be captured so the dental bridge is the same color as the surrounding teeth.
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The dentist will give you a temporary dental bridge that you can wear for a few weeks while the permanent one is being prepared. This will protect your exposed gums from damage.
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During your next session, the temporary dental bridge will be removed, and the doctor will insert the new permanent dental bridge.
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The dentist will make sure that the fit is correct and then cement it in place for a few weeks.
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Finally, after a few weeks, the dentist will cement the dental bridge permanently.
Dental Bridges FAQs
Dental bridge or dental implant: Which is the best for me?
What is a dental bridge?
How long does a dental bridge last?
What materials are dental bridges made of?
What are the best solutions for replacing a missing tooth?
How much does a dental bridge cost?
How does a dental bridge help to fix teeth?
What are the pros and cons of dental crowns versus bridges?
A dental bridge is a preferred procedure if several of your teeth are missing or damaged, or if your teeth have been missing for a long duration. Dental implants are suitable if you’re only missing one tooth and if it has only gone missing recently. You should consult your dentist to determine which is the best option for your specific needs.
A dental bridge is a series of pontics, or fake teeth, placed in between two anchoring teeth to fill up the gap left behind by one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges can last between 5 to 15 years, especially if you take care of your oral hygiene.
Dental bridges are made of various materials such as gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, or plastic.
The best solution for replacing a missing tooth is to get dental crowns or dental bridges because they look and feel just like real teeth.
The cost of dental bridges varies greatly depending on the number of missing teeth, the location of treatment, the type of dental bridge used, etc.
A dental bridge essentially replaces missing teeth and bridges gaps between teeth.
Both dental crowns and bridges are useful in their own respective ways. Dental crowns are used to protect or cover worn or damaged teeth. Dental bridges can’t cover damaged teeth — they are rather used to replace missing teeth.
