Dental Bridge and 4 Types of Dental Bridge

What is a dental bridge?

Dental bridges build a bridge between the two teeth close to the missing tooth location, restoring one or more missing teeth. The dentist will next need to file down the neighboring tooth’s enamel in order to accept a crown to link with the ceramic bridge.

In addition, if you’ve lost a lot of teeth, your dentist could first place the implant before putting in the dental bridge.

Numerous materials, including metal, titanium, ceramic, and porcelain, can be used to create bridges. Strengths and traits will vary depending on the kind.

Dental bridge vs Dental implant

Dental bridges are a particular kind of prosthetic appliance that are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are often composed of metal, gold, silver, ceramic, or porcelain. Dental bridges are fixed to the teeth or to an implant that surrounds the empty area, and only a dentist is able to remove them. This is unlike removable prosthetic devices like dentures.

Abutment refers to the portion of a dental implant that is utilized to hold a bridge. Abutments act as the bridge’s anchor points. After that, the pontic, which serves as a substitute tooth, is affixed to the bridge that covers the abutments. If a dental implant is not utilized, a dental bridge is often attached by first smoothing the teeth’s surfaces to prepare them to accommodate the bridgework.

Dental bridges are available in three distinct varieties: traditional bridges, resin-bonded bridges, and cantilever bridges. The most prevalent kind of bridges are traditional bridges, which are often constructed of porcelain bonded to metal or ceramic materials.

The most typical type of material used to make crowns and bridges is porcelain. It is made of a substance with a tooth-like appearance that may be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain may be shaped to resemble the appearance of your natural tooth enamel and provide a solid base for your bridge.

Dental porcelain is a sturdy type of bridge that can withstand everything you eat, just like strong, real teeth can. In addition, porcelain has a whiteness akin to that of glass that reflects light and gives the impression of actual tooth enamel. Dental bridges constructed of porcelain are good prosthesis because of their durability. Porcelain dental bridges are a practical and efficient technique to replace any lost teeth.

Although it’s commonly thought that using porcelain bridges is risk-free, there are some possible dangers to be aware of. Make sure to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist and inquire about the safety measures for the particular dental bridge surgery you are thinking about having done.

Dental bridge types

There are four main types of dental bridges:

traditional
cantilever
Maryland
implant-supported

Traditional dental bridge

A traditional dental bridge comprises dental crowns that have been bonded to each of the abutment teeth holding a false tooth or teeth in place. The most common form of dental bridge is a conventional bridge, which can be utilized when you still have strong teeth on either side of the gap left by your lost tooth.

Cantilever dental bridge

Cantilever dental bridges are similar to traditional bridges in that just one abutment tooth serves as the anchor for the pontic, which is secured in place by a dental crown. You just need one healthy tooth next to the gap left by the lost tooth to support a cantilever bridge.

Maryland dental bridge

Maryland dental bridges use two healthy teeth as abutment teeth, one on either side of the gap, much like a conventional bridge would. A Maryland bridge employs a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the backs of the abutment teeth, as opposed to a typical bridge, which uses dental crowns on the abutment teeth.

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A Maryland bridge may only be utilized, like a standard bridge, if there is a natural tooth on either side of the gap left by the lost tooth or teeth.

Implant-supported dental bridge

As the name suggests, implant-supported bridges rely on dental implants rather than frames or crowns. One implant is typically surgically inserted for each missing tooth, and this implant holds the bridge in place. A pontic may be hung between two implant-supported crowns if one implant for each lost tooth is not possible.

An implant-supported bridge, which is regarded as the strongest and most stable tool, often needs two operations:

one to insert the implants in the jawbone
a second surgery to place the bridge

The entire process may take many months to complete.

What does a dental bridge cost?

There are several factor that can decide the price including:

number of teeth needed to fill the gap
materials used, such as composite resin, zirconia, or metal
difficulty of the placement
additional treatments
geographic location

The price also changes depending on the bridge type you choose:

One pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth are commonly included in traditional or cantilever bridge prices ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
Maryland bridges generally range in price from $1,500 to $2,500 for a single pontic with the wings linked to the abutment teeth.
An implant-supported bridge could cost $5,000 – $15,000 for a bridge with two dental implants spanning three or four teeth.

Q&A

What is better: a bridge or implant?

Dental bridges have a higher likelihood of being paid for by your insurance and come with a lower initial outlay. Dental implants could be a better choice if money isn’t a concern and your general health is good because they stay longer and don’t harm the nearby teeth.

Why is a bridge not recommended?

The jawbone will continue to degenerate because bridges are above the gum line. Implants endure a lifetime, whereas bridges don’t. Bridges have a maximum life of roughly 15 years; dental implants are anticipated to last more than 25 years.

Which is the less painful bridge or implant?

Choosing a dental bridge has a few benefits. Surgery is not necessary for this straightforward treatment (unlike implants). Because of this, getting a bridge is far less painful than receiving an implant. Additionally, the process is pretty rapid.

Why does a doctor prefer bridge over implant?

A dental bridge might be preferred over an implant in cases when you have two damaged teeth close to the missing tooth. This is because those teeth require crowns for further security. When it comes to changing the color of more than two teeth at a lower cost, bridges are more adaptable.

What is the disadvantage of bridge?

Tooth decay develops behind a bridge that doesn’t fit properly. To make room for the dental crowns during the preparation, your abutment teeth are weakened. If your abutment teeth lack the necessary strength, the restoration may collapse.

Do bridges weaken teeth?

For traditional bridges, natural teeth must be covered with crowns. There will be some good tooth enamel lost during the shaving down and capping of the healthy teeth on each side of the bridge. This raises the possibility of causing already healthy teeth irreparable harm.