Does it sound like someone has placed their teeth into a vice? If it does, then you may need dental bridges treatment. These are fixed prosthetic treatments that can cover missing teeth.
The gap created between two teeth that is too wide cannot be filled by regular crowns alone. In such cases bridgework becomes inevitable. Bridgework basically involves using 3 pieces of porcelain or metal to fill in the space and fix them back together.
You may already know that some treatments require pre-surgery preparation. For example, the dentist will need to remove a portion of the tooth surface to prepare the area for placement of the dental Bridges. This might mean removing some enamel from the base of the tooth, where the gums meet the tooth.
This article will teach you everything there is to know about dental bridges. Let’s dive right in!
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are used for replacing missing teeth. They are made from porcelain, metal, or plastic and are attached to adjacent teeth using crowns. The purpose of dental bridges is to restore function and appearance and prevent further damage to the remaining teeth.
Who Needs A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is used when one tooth has been lost. The missing tooth is replaced with a false tooth that looks like the original tooth. Dental bridges are usually made from porcelain and metal. They are fixed to other teeth using crowns.
If you lose a tooth, it may fall out naturally or it may be removed by surgery. Either way, if you want to replace the tooth, you will need to consider what kind of replacement you would prefer. There are many different options available including implants, dentures, and dental bridges.
What Types Of Dental Bridges Are Available?
There are four main types of dental bridges:
1. Traditional Dental Bridges
In a traditional dental bridge, the false tooth or teeth are fixed directly onto the adjacent natural teeth with crowns that have been bonded directly to them. A traditional bridge is one of the most common types of bridges used to replace missing teeth. A crown (or cap) is placed on each side of the space where the tooth was lost.
2. Cantilever Dental Bridges
As with traditional bridges, a cantilever bridge includes a pontic that is attached to one of the adjacent teeth by a dental crown. Cantilever bridges require only one natural tooth next to the gap left by a missing tooth.
3. Maryland Dental Bridge
The Maryland dental bridge uses two natural abutment teeth, one on either side of the gap, similar to a traditional bridge. In contrast to traditional bridges, Maryland bridges are made using a framework of metal or porcelain that is bonded to the backs of the abutment teeth, rather than dental crowns.
A Maryland bridge can also only be used with natural teeth on either side of a gap where a tooth or teeth have been lost.
4. Implant-supported Dental Bridge
A dental implant-supported bridge, as its name implies, is supported by an implant rather than a crown or a framework. For each missing tooth, one implant is surgically implanted, and these implants hold the bridge in place. A pontic may be suspended between two implant-supported crowns if one implant isn’t possible for each missing tooth.
Implant-supported bridges are the most stable and strongest type of system, and they commonly require two surgeries; one for embedding implants on the jawbone and the second to place the bridge. It can take months to get done with the procedure.
How Does A Dental Bridge Treatment Work?
Tooth loss is never pleasant. It causes problems such as difficulty chewing food, speech impediments, and poor appearance. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers solutions to these problems. One solution is a dental bridge.
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth with a false tooth that resembles the original tooth. This gives you back your smile and improves your overall health.
Tooth loss occurs for many reasons. It could be due to decay, injury, gum disease, or some other cause. Regardless of why the tooth was lost, replacing it with a dental bridge is a great option.
The first step in a fixed dental bridge procedure is to remove the damaged tooth. After this, the dentist makes an impression of the remaining teeth. Next, he creates a model of the mouth. From this model, he constructs the bridge. Finally, the dentist attaches the bridge to the remaining teeth.
The process takes anywhere from two weeks to six months depending on the number of teeth being replaced. During this period, you must follow a strict oral hygiene routine. Your dentist will provide instructions on proper brushing techniques. He will also tell you when to floss and brush after meals.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Bridges?
There are several benefits to having a dental bridge instead of a removable partial denture (RPD). Some of the most common benefits are as follows.
1. Better appearance
Missing teeth make your face appear older than it really is. By replacing them with dental bridges, you give yourself a younger-looking smile.
2. Improved chewing ability
When there’s nothing between your teeth and the food you’re eating, you risk chipping or breaking your natural teeth. With a dental bridge, you get a false tooth that protects your natural teeth.
3. Increased confidence
Not only do dental bridges improve your facial appearance, but they also boost your self-esteem. Having your healthy smile back will encourage you to practice good dental habits such as regular brushing and flossing. When you eat and speak normally again, you’ll notice improvements in your attitude toward yourself.
4. Fewer future treatments
Not having teeth can increase your chances of developing cavities. Eventually, you’ll require more expensive fillings and crowns. A dental bridge eliminates most of those problems.
5. Reduced risk of infection
If you’re not careful, you’re likely to develop gum diseases like gingivitis. Gum diseases lead to bone loss around your roots causing loosened teeth. Tooth transplants may become necessary. Luckily, using a dental bridge prevents that problem.
6. No anaesthesia required
If you don’t like needles, a dental bridge won’t involve one either. The dentist simply glues the artificial tooth directly onto the remains of the natural tooth.
7. Less time under general anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is used during root canal procedures. A dental bridge does not require it because the fake tooth is glued into place. The dentist removes the old bridge instead of cutting through your nerves and sinuses.
8. Painless removal
Removing an RPD requires a lot of force. You have to bite down hard on something to keep from hurting yourself while the dentist pulls out the old bridge. This causes pain and discomfort. Using a dental bridge, however, means no pulling or tugging.
Caring About Dental Bridges
There are some ways to clean dental bridges, but in order to maintain them, they should be brushed daily. While brushing can remove plaque buildup, if the teeth have not been properly prepared with enamel bonding then there may be issues. Additionally, if the tooth is decayed or has large fillings there might be more problems. It’s important to find out how each person’s mouth works and brush accordingly because sometimes people have different methods for cleaning their mouths.
Other factors include diet and smoking. If you have poor oral health while drinking soda or taking cigarettes, then dental bridges may not last long. You may also have difficulty maintaining dental bridges at home. This means you should get help from your family dentist or hygienist. They can teach you how to care for your new teeth.
How to Clean Dental Bridges?
The best way to keep your dental bridges looking great is by keeping them clean. Brushing is an easy way to go about this. However, if you have any decay on your teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you want to use fluoride toothpaste, which helps prevent decay, then you should choose a paste that contains fluoride.
How Much Does The Dental Bridge Cost?
The average cost for a dental bridge is about $ 5,000. The price depends largely on the materials used, which can vary from dental porcelain to metal, and the number of crowns involved. Another factor that affects the price is whether the dental office uses CAD/CAM technology to create a custom-made appliance. If it doesn’t, then you’ll have to spend extra money to purchase a prefabricated one.
Get Your Dental Bridges With ToothHQ Today!
We hope these dental bridges information will be useful when you make decisions concerning the treatment. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. If you are looking to have dental bridges, we at ToothHQ would love to provide you with our services. We offer high-quality services at affordable rates. Visit our website for more info or call us at 214-731-0123 for the consultation.
