Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a common dental restoration procedure used to replace missing teeth. They are designed to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth and are anchored in place by adjacent teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges can improve the appearance of your smile, restore your ability to chew properly, and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place. In this article, we will discuss what dental bridges are, the different types of dental bridges available, how dental bridges work, how much they cost, the procedure a dentist takes to prepare for dental bridges, and how they are made.
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are anchored in place by the teeth on either side of the gap, which are called abutment teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns placed over the abutment teeth and a false tooth, or pontic, that fills the gap. The pontic can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of metal and porcelain.
There are several types of dental bridges available, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most common type of dental bridge. They are used when there are natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by the missing tooth. The abutment teeth are prepared by removing a portion of their enamel to make room for the crowns that will be placed over them. Impressions of the prepared teeth are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the bridge will be fabricated. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect the prepared teeth and the gap.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one natural tooth next to the gap created by the missing tooth. The bridge is anchored to the one natural tooth and is cantilevered over the gap. This type of bridge is not recommended for areas of the mouth that receive a lot of stress from chewing.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, are used when the abutment teeth are strong and healthy, and the gap is located in the front of the mouth. They consist of a pontic that is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require the removal of enamel from the adjacent teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are used when there are multiple missing teeth or when the abutment teeth are weak and cannot support a traditional bridge. The bridge is anchored in place by dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone. Once the implants have fused with the bone, the bridge is attached to the implants.
Dental bridges work by filling the gap created by missing teeth, restoring your ability to chew and speak properly, and preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of place. The bridge is anchored in place by the abutment teeth or dental implants, which provide stability and support. The pontic, or false tooth, is designed to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring that it blends in seamlessly with your smile.
The cost of dental bridges varies depending on several factors, including the type of bridge, the materials used, the location of the dental practice, and your dental insurance coverage. Traditional bridges typically cost between $500 and $1,200 per tooth, while implant-supported bridges can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 per tooth. Maryland bridges and cantilever bridges are generally less expensive than traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges.
Before the dental bridge can be installed, the dentist will need to prepare the abutment teeth. This involves removing a portion of the enamel from the teeth to make room for the crowns that will be placed over them. The dentist will then take impressions of the prepared teeth and send them to a dental laboratory, where the bridge will be fabricated.
In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect the prepared teeth and the gap. Once the bridge is ready, the temporary bridge will be removed, and the new bridge will be cemented in place.
Dental bridges are typically made in a dental laboratory by a skilled technician. The process starts with the dentist taking impressions of the prepared teeth and the gap using a dental putty or digital scanning technology. The impressions are then sent to the dental laboratory, where the technician will use them to create a mold of the bridge.
The mold is then used to create a wax model of the bridge, which is used to create a cast of the bridge using a material such as gypsum. The cast is then used to create the final bridge, which can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of metal and porcelain.
The technician will use a variety of techniques to ensure that the bridge matches the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring that it blends in seamlessly with your smile.
Dental bridges offer several benefits, including:
Improved Appearance: Dental bridges can improve the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps created by missing teeth.
Improved Chewing: Dental bridges can restore your ability to chew properly, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
Prevent Shifting of Teeth: Dental bridges can prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, which can cause bite problems and other dental issues.
Cost-Effective: Dental bridges are generally less expensive than other dental restoration options, such as dental implants.
Non-Invasive: The process of preparing for dental bridges is relatively non-invasive, requiring only the removal of a small amount of enamel from the abutment teeth.
Like any dental procedure, dental bridges come with certain risks and complications. These include:
Tooth Decay: If the abutment teeth are not properly cared for, they can develop decay, which can lead to the failure of the bridge.
Gum Disease: Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can cause the abutment teeth to become loose and affect the stability of the bridge.
Allergic Reactions: Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the bridge, such as the metal or porcelain.
Discomfort or Pain: Some patients may experience discomfort or pain after the bridge is installed, which can be caused by an ill-fitting bridge or an infection.
Failure of the Bridge: In some cases, the bridge may fail due to a variety of reasons, such as improper fitting, poor oral hygiene, or trauma to the mouth.
Dental bridges are a common dental restoration procedure used to replace missing teeth. They offer several benefits, including improved appearance, improved chewing, prevention of teeth shifting, cost-effectiveness, and non-invasiveness. However, like any dental procedure, they come with certain risks and complications that must be carefully considered before undergoing the procedure. If you are considering dental bridges, it is important to discuss your options with a qualified dentist who can help you make an informed decision about the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
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