A dental bridge is a common and low-risk solution for missing teeth. It literally bridges the gap created when teeth are lost. It is the recommended procedure to correct teeth problems that can affect your confidence and smile.

However, there is more to dental bridges than what you already may know. Thus, to help you learn about this dental treatment further, including its types and the procedures that it involves,Classic Smiles, a clinic in Australia that provides the finest cosmetic dentistry services, presents this expert guide to getting a dental bridge.

First, let’s take a look at the complete definition of a dental bridge.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge serves as a replacement for missing teeth and can be used as an alternative to dentures. It is fixed in place and attached to the real teeth, particularly on the side where a gap is created as a result of the missing teeth. It is usually made of porcelain or metal, but the two can also be combined.

Now that you know what a dental bridge is, the next question that you’d probably want to ask is “when do you need it?”.

To answer, a dental bridge is recommended if you have a missing tooth and the teeth on either side of the gap that it created are healthy. However, if you are not yet sure if you should use a dental bridge or not, here are the reasons that should convince you to do so:

Widely Used
Affordable
Time-Tested
Low Risk
Effective

How a Dental Bridge Will Help You?

Dental bridges enhance your appearance and easily restore your smile by filling in the gaps. Among many others, it also:

Improves your ability to properly eat.
Correct your speech issues due to missing teeth.
Maintains the shape of your face.
Prevents deterioration of jawbone (jawbones weaken overtime if natural root or implant is not in place).
Keeps remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
Distributes the force in your bite properly.

Types of Dental Bridge

Traditional Bridge: This is probably the most popular type of bridge available. It consists of one to many artificial teeth called pontics, held fixed by two dental crowns or abutments cemented on each teeth adjacent to the gap. The false teeth can be made from gold, porcelain, alloys or a combination of these materials.

Disadvantage: The downside to this bridge is that your adjacent teeth is filed by removing their enamel to fit the crowns. Since enamel does not regrow, these teeth will always need to be protected with crowns.

Cantilever Bridge: This is similar to traditional bridges except it only uses one dental crown to support the pontics on one side. So, if only one natural tooth is adjacent to the gap, a bridge can still be secured.

Disadvantage: Cantilever bridge is not entirely common and is rarely recommended. Since this restoration is only supported on one side, it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them. It may lead to complications like fractured teeth or loosened crowns.

Maryland Bridge: Also called a resin-bonded bridge, this bridge is a conservative alternative to traditional bridges. It is made of pontics that are supported by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the existing teeth.

Disadvantage: While it doesn’t require filing, there is still a downside to this treatment – its strength is not at par with those of other bridges. It may also not stay in place particularly when the teeth are subjected to extreme biting force. Likewise, the framework may get in the way of your gums or your bite.

Implant-Supported Bridge: Instead of being supported by crowns, this bridge is braced by dental implants. It usually consists of pontics suspended between two implant-supported crowns if placing implant for every lost tooth isn’t possible.

Dental Bridge Procedure

What does a dental bridge treatment involve?

Is the procedure safe?

To answer those questions, discussed below are the basic steps involved in a dental bridge treatment that you’d want to know.

Preparation – during the initial procedure, the teeth that will serve as abutments are reshaped by removing a portion of the enamel.
Impression – next, impressions are made, which will serve as a model from which the prosthetic will be made. Meanwhile, your dentist will provide you a temporary bridge to protect exposed teeth and gums.
Application – during the second visit, your temporary bridge will be replaced with a permanent one. Multiple visits may be required to make sure it is fitting properly and doesn’t interfere with your bite alignment.

The Cost of Dental Bridges

Dental bridge costs may vary depending on the type of bridge and complexity of the procedure. It may also vary depending on how much your dentist will charge you. In most cases, a bridge with only one pontic will cost less than a bridge with more than one.

The cost of a dental bridge is based on the price per tooth which normally ranges from $700 to $1500. However, there are other factors that can affect its costs, including but not limited to:

Additional procedure done
The amount charged by the dentist and lab technician
The covered amount of dental insurance
Material used for dental bridges
The preparation involved

Proper Care for Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can easily surpass 10 years or even longer with proper oral hygiene. The success of dental bridges largely depend on the surrounding teeth therefore it is important to keep them healthy and strong.

Maintaining a proper oral routine that includes brushing, flossing, daily use of mouthwash and regular dental check-ups is a must to prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. It will also ensure that even bridged teeth are in perfect health.

If you think you need a dental bridge procedure, you can visit Classic Smiles to provide you with the best and appropriate solution for your dental issue.

Have you undergone a dental bridge procedure? How did it help you with your dental problem? Let us know in the comments section below.

Company Bio:

Classic Smiles, headed by Dr William Zafiropoulos, a reputable cosmetic dentist in Sydney offers a range of dental treatments including teeth whitening, invisalign , dental crowns and bridges, porcelain and composite veneers , and Zoom teeth whitening in Miranda and the Cronulla areas.