What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridge is a non-removable dental restoration replacing one or more missing teeth. There are two main types of dental bridges depending on what they are attached to: natural teeth bridges and implant supported bridges. We will cover natural teeth bridges at this time. To make a dental bridge we prepare by grinding down the adjacent teeth to the missing teeth area like we would for crowns. Then we fabricate the dental bridge which will be bonded/cemented to the prepared adjacent teeth replacing the missing teeth with the fake teeth. In other words, to replace one missing tooth we need to grind down two adjacent teeth to anchor the fake tooth to them to cover the missing tooth area. Bridges can replace 1 -4 missing teeth, but in most cases we need to grind down adjacent teeth to anchor the bridge to.
What's the difference between a bridge and dentures?
The difference between the bridge and a denture is simple. Dental bridge is non-removable alternative of replacing missing teeth and a denture is a removable alternative to replace missing teeth. Bridges are meant to stay permanently in place, while dentures require daily removal for hygiene.
What are the pros and cons of dental bridges?
Pros of dental bridges are no need for surgery (vs to implant option that requires surgery), fast service that usually needs two appointments, it is non-removable option means it is staying in the mouth permanently. Dental bridges are esthetic and comfortable. They last for a long time.
Cons of dental bridges are the need to grind down adjacent teeth like for crowns, difficulty of cleaning under the fake tooth of the bridge, potential of recurrent cavities on adjacent teeth that have been crowned that might cause more teeth loss. Expensive replacement when needed.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
There are many types of dental bridges designs, and we will cover few main ones:
Traditional 3-4 units bridge that replaces one to two missing teeth
Front teeth dental bridge can be 6 units replacing up to 4 missing front teeth
Maryland or resin bonded bridge, it does not require complete coverage of adjacent teeth hence preserves adjacent tooth structure
Cantilever bridge when the fake tooth is attached only to one adjacent tooth and hangs freely on the other side. Tis bridge has limited applications.
Dental bridges can be made of different materials; the most common ones are porcelain fused to metal and all ceramic.
What are the alternatives to a dental bridge?
There are two main alternatives to a dental bridge. One alternative is a dental implant. Dental implants stay permanently in the mouth and act as natural teeth in a way that they are not attached to surrounding teeth. Another alternative to a dental bridge is removable partial denture. Removable partial denture is a dental prosthesis that will replace missing teeth by anchoring on the adjacent teeth with clasps and can be taken out to be cleaned and cared for.
What is a removable dental bridge vs a fixed dental bridge?
Removable dental bridge usually is not true dental bridge and belongs to the category of removable appliances. It is also called Nesbit Partial; it looks like mini partial denture made of acrylic material and replaces missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth on both sides. The traditional dental bridge is non-removable and permanently cemented in the mouth.
What is a cantilever dental bridge?
Cantilever bridge is a bridge attached only on one side to the adjacent tooth/teeth and not attached on the other side. It has very limited use since it can be fractured or cause anchoring tooth to be torqued/damaged from the biting pressure.
What are the benefits of dental bridges?
Dental bridges replace missing teeth, they restore ability to chew, they do not allow other teeth to shift and tilt, they provide better looking smile and bring more confidence and comfort to people.
How can a dental bridge help those with gum disease?
People who have gum disease often have loose teeth and can move in different directions in the mouth due to lack of bone support under the gums. Dental bridge stabilizes teeth surrounding the missing tooth/teeth area and does not allow already loose teeth to move as much because they help stabilize each other.
Is dental bridge work painful?
Dental bridge work is not painful. While preparing teeth for the bridge enough dental anesthesia is used to ensure complete patient's comfort.
What does the dental bridge placement procedure involve?
Dental bridge procedure usually takes two appointments. During first appointment adjacent teeth are prepared for crowns and final impression is taken in either a physical or a digital form. At the end of the first appointment, the temporary bridge made of acrylic is placed to simulate the future dental bridge. Then the impression is sent to a dental laboratory for permanent bridge fabrication. On the second appointment, the final dental bridge made of ceramic (tooth colored material) or porcelain fused to metal (also looks like natural teeth on the outside) is bonded or cemented to the teeth to replace the missing tooth/teeth area.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Well-made dental bridge should last for many years if the person's diet is not to heavy in sugar or acidic beverages and they have regular cleanings.
How should I care for my dental bridge?
It is very important to care for dental bridges as anyone would for their natural teeth. Dental bridges require brushing and flossing. There are special dental flosses designed specifically for dental bridges. Also, small push brushes could be used to clean under the fake portion of the bridge. Water flosses are a good addition to the everyday care. The main goal of home care for bridge is to remove plaque, food residue and bacteria to reduce chances of getting dental cavities on the teeth that support the bridge.
When should I schedule an appointment for a dental bridge?
If you are missing one or more teeth, please contact us to schedule an appointment to discover the options of the missing teeth replacement. One of the options will include dental bridge.
If you have additional questions or if you're ready to take action, please give us a call at (360) 800-2372. We're here to help!