What are Dental bridges ?
Dental bridges are meant to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the missing teeth– these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth — and a false tooth/teeth in between which is called pontics and is mostly made from alloys, gold, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Most of the patients prefer Dental bridges as they are more comfortable and secure and the best alternative to dentures.
In case, you are opting for dental bridges you need to have the remaining teeth strong so that it will support the dental bridge.
Reasons for opting a Dental Bridge
- Restoring your smile and maintaining the shape of your face.
- Help you chew and bite your food properly by replacing missing teeth
- Reduces the risk of bone loss from the jaw.
- Prevents pressure on your remaining teeth.
- One of the best alternatives to Dentures as they are more stable and durable.
- The treatment is non-surgical and provides a natural appearance.
Types of Dental Bridges
Each of these bridges is made with a specific purpose, and each of them has its own particular feature which makes it preferable according to patients’ situations.
- Traditional fixed bridges: This is one of the common types of bridge and is made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. This one is specially used to replace missing teeth which involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between.
- Cantilever Bridges: These are used when there are missing teeth on one side of the missing tooth. The crown placement for this is done very carefully so as to avoid the risk of destabilising the abutment teeth. Cantilever bridges are not common anymore and are not recommended to be placed in the back of the mouth as this can put extra force on the other teeth and damage them.
- Maryland Bonded Bridges: These ones are used to replace the front teeth and are also known as resin-bonded bridges. This dental bridge is more conservative alternative than the traditional l fixed bridge, as it doesn’t require any kind of reshaping and placement of crowns on the adjacent teeth.
How is a dental bridge placed?
The procedure for dental bridges starts with taking X-rays and checking for the surrounding teeth if they are healthy enough to support the dental bridge. If there is any decay or infection, it will be treated first and then the actual procedure will begin.
The actual procedure involves preparing the abutment teeth – which involves recontouring the teeth by taking out a portion of the enamel to make room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made and sent to the lab, these impressions serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns are made. Until the time these bridges are ready, your dentist will make a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
During the next visit, the temporary bridge will be replaced with new bridge and it will be checked and adjusted,accordingly to make it a proper fit. Frequent visits are required to check the fit of the bridge and bite. This is dependent on each individual’s case.
Drawbacks of Dental Bridges
- There can be a risk of tooth decay if the dental bridge is not fixed well and can allow plaque and bacteria formation.
- At times patients do not have the strength to hold the dental bridge and that could lead to collapse of the dental bridge.
How long do these dental bridges last?
The longevity for these dental bridges varies for person to person and depends on the daily habits of the patient. Dental bridges can last from 5 years up to 15 years and or even longer. And if you have been regularly visiting the dentist and maintaining good oral hygiene it will definitely last for a life span of over 10 years.
How much do dental bridges cost?
The cost completely depends upon the type of bridge and the country in which the procedure is performed.
We offer dental bridges treatment at our clinic in HBR Layout, Bangalore. At our dental clinic we take utmost care to ensure that the dental bridges look fit and perfectly natural. We do this by taking accurate measurements and also match the shade to your original teeth. We send this information to our dental lab and create new crowns and bridges as per the patient’s requirement. We discuss the best possible options with our patients including the type, its benefits, negative effects etc. so that they could make the right choice.