Dental Bridges

A dental bridge serves as a prosthetic device, specifically engineered to replace missing teeth. This device comprises one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are supported by crowns attached to the neighboring teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges serve the dual purpose of filling the gaps left by missing teeth, thus restoring both the look and functionality of your smile, which comes with numerous benefits.

Dental bridges work by utilizing pontics to fill the gaps left by absent teeth, thereby enhancing both the appearance and function of your smile. With appropriate maintenance, dental bridges serve as a durable remedy for missing teeth, offering a multitude of benefits such as enhanced practicality, aesthetics, and overall oral health.

Dental bridges bring about multiple benefits, including improved ability to chew, clearer speech, and seamless appearance. They enhance the chewing function by replacing missing teeth, enabling you to enjoy a diverse range of foods while maintaining oral health. Additionally, bridges can contribute to clearer speech by enabling proper articulation of words, and they improve your appearance by filling gaps between teeth and restoring your natural facial features.

Furthermore, dental bridges have several benefits:

In the end, dental bridges lead to improved oral health and a confident smile.

Traditional dental bridges, also known as traditional bridge, are the most common type. They are typically used when there are healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by the missing tooth. These bridges consist of a pontic, supported by crowns placed over the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, restoring both aesthetics and functionality.

The crowns in a traditional dental bridge are typically constructed from materials such as porcelain fused to metal or ceramics, while the pontic is primarily composed of porcelain. To maintain the bridge in place, the crowns are securely cemented onto the natural teeth. When properly cared for, a traditional dental bridge can last between 5 and 15 years.

Cantilever dental bridges are an alternative option when only one natural tooth is available for support on one side of the gap. In this type of bridge:

Cantilever dental bridges are typically made of ceramic and metal or entirely of ceramic material. Although they are more conservative and effective in replacing missing front teeth, cantilever bridges have a heightened risk of failure and are not as robust as traditional bridges.

Maryland dental bridges differ from other types in that they utilize metal wings or a porcelain framework, instead of crowns, to affix to adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is only feasible when there is a natural tooth situated on either side of the gap resulting from the absent tooth or teeth.

The procedure for placing a Maryland dental bridge involves lightly etching the back surface of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The prosthetic tooth is then attached to the neighboring teeth using a bonding process, eliminating the need for extensive dental work.

Maryland dental bridges typically last between 12 to 21 years, provided proper aftercare is observed.

Implant-supported dental bridges offer a more stable and long-lasting solution by relying on dental implants for support, instead of crowns or frameworks. The procedure for placing an implant-supported dental bridge necessitates two surgeries: first, a dental implant, made of titanium, is drilled into the jawbone and covered with gum tissue, allowing it to fuse with the jawbone for a few months; second, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to uncover the implants, to which abutments are attached, and finally, the bridge is installed on the abutments.

The advantages of implant-supported dental bridges include:

However, the process of obtaining implant-supported dental bridges is longer and more involved compared to other types of bridges, necessitating multiple dental visits and a healing period after implant placement.

Tooth preparation entails several steps:

1. Reshaping the abutment teeth
2. Administering local anesthesia
3. Placing a temporary bridge to protect the shaped teeth and preserve the space created by the missing tooth or teeth

The temporary bridge serves as a placeholder until the permanent bridge is ready, allowing you to smile naturally without a gap and reducing tooth or gum sensitivity.

Temporary dental bridges are typically constructed using bis-acryl composite provisional materials, acrylics, or self-curing composite crown and bridge materials. They are placed by the dentist to safeguard the teeth and gums while awaiting the permanent bridge, composed of two or more crowns and secured in place with relatively weak temporary dental cement.

During the final bridge placement appointment, your dentist will:

The dentist’s objective is to guarantee that the dental bridge fits securely and performs correctly.

The final placement of a dental bridge typically requires two visits spread across a period of 3-4 weeks. During this time, adjustments to the bridge may be made to ensure a proper fit and function, including verifying the shade, shape, and position of the artificial teeth and making bite adjustments if necessary.

Keeping up good oral hygiene is paramount to ensure the extended longevity of dental bridges. Here are some tips to follow:

By following these tips, you can ward off plaque build-up and tooth decay, both of which can result in the deterioration of the bridge.

By thoroughly cleaning both the surrounding and underneath areas of the bridge, you can maintain the health of the abutment teeth and ensure the continued optimum functionality of your dental bridge.

Routine dental checkups are paramount for keeping track of the health of your dental bridge and the teeth around it. Such visits allow your dentist to assess the condition of the bridge, identify any problems or damages, and administer the needed treatments or adjustments.

It is recommended that you have a dental checkup every six months when you have a dental bridge. Regular checkups, combined with a thorough oral hygiene routine, are essential for preserving the health and functionality of your dental bridge and ensuring a confident smile.

To avoid harming your dental bridge, it’s recommended to refrain from using your teeth as tools, gnawing on hard items like ice, pencils, or fingernails, and nail-biting. Such habits could harm your dental bridge, potentially leading to fractures or even dislodging existing dental work.

By steering clear of harmful habits and upholding a meticulous oral hygiene routine, you can extend the lifespan of your dental bridge and continue to enjoy its numerous benefits for the foreseeable future.