A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the adjacent natural teeth or implants. Tooth loss can occur due to decay, injury, gum disease, or age, and it often impacts more than just appearance. It can affect chewing, speaking, and overall oral health. Dental bridges not only restore the look of your smile but also help maintain proper bite alignment and prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
By reading this blog, you will learn about how dental bridges work, types and their benefits. You will also know how professionals at Bel Air MD Dentist help you to restore missing teeth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth (known as a pontic) to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth, called abutment teeth, are usually fitted with dental crowns that help hold the bridge securely in place. At Bel Air MD Dentist, experienced dentists offer customized dental bridges to suit your needs.
The main components of a dental bridge include:
Pontic: The false tooth that fills the gap left by a missing tooth.
Abutment Teeth: The natural teeth or implants on either side of the missing tooth that support the bridge.
Crowns: Caps placed over the abutment teeth to anchor the bridge and restore strength and function.
Dental bridges are a popular and effective option for restoring a smile, improving chewing ability, and maintaining the alignment of your remaining teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges and they are tailored to reflect various dental conditions and needs of the affected patient. Learning about the types of these bridges can help you and your dentist in making the right choice of bridge.
Traditional Bridge
It is the most common type of dental bridge. It includes placing crowns on both neighboring teeth of the missing tooth (abutment teeth) and the pontic (false tooth) between them. The conventional bridges are sturdy, long-lasting and suitable when there are healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge resembles a conventional bridge and is supported by only one abutment tooth. This is the choice when one can put in only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap. Although it is good in some situations, it is applied particularly in regions of the mouth that do not receive biting pressure like the front teeth.
Maryland Bridge
The Maryland bridge is also referred to as a resin-bonded bridge and has a metal or porcelain framework which gets bonded to the backs of the neighboring teeth. It is a more conservative tooth restoration as there is no need to work on shaping the adjacent teeth. Normally, it is not as durable as the common bridges and it is mostly employed in supporting the front teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Rather than being fixed to natural teeth, this type of bridge is secured by dental implants. It is a durable and stronger restoration, especially suitable for replacing multiple missing teeth. Implant-supported bridges also help preserve jawbones density which might be reduced due to loss of teeth.
Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge
The process of obtaining a dental bridge is usually completed through several steps which take place within multiple visits to the dentist. These steps are given below in detail:
Initial Consultation and Examination
The procedure begins with a thorough dental examination. Your dentist examines the condition of your teeth, takes oral X-rays, and evaluates whether a bridge is the appropriate treatment of your missing teeth or not. They also tell you about the different bridges available in the market and which one would be right depending on your need.
Tooth Preparation
When you get a traditional or a cantilever bridge, you shape the teeth next to the gap. It is better to shape the next teeth because it helps to support the placement of dental crowns that anchor the bridge.
Impressions and Temporary Bridge
After preparation of the teeth, the impressions of your teeth will be taken by your dentist. These impressions are sent to the dentist lab where your customized bridge is created. A temporary bridge can be placed to hold your teeth and gums safe until the permanent one can be formed.
Fabrication and Final Placement
When your permanent bridge is fabricated, your dentist will take out the temporary and place the new permanent bridge. Then they will ensure that your teeth have a correct bite, shape, and color after which they will cement it in the correct position when they are sure that everything is placed right.
Follow-Up and Adjustment
After the bridge is placed, a follow-up visit may be scheduled to ensure the bridge fits comfortably and functions properly. Minor adjustments can be made if needed. Your dentist will provide preventive care instructions to help you maintain your new restoration.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
There are many benefits that dental bridges offer to patients with missing teeth. They not only restore your smile but also improve oral function and health.
Restores Smile and Function
One of the immediate benefits is that you can restore your smile back. Other than the aesthetic appearance, bridges allow a person to chew his food properly and speak clearly that may be compromised by the missing teeth.
Prevents Teeth from Shifting
Without filling the gap, the adjacent teeth are likely to shift over time by developing bite issues and malocclusion. Dental bridge helps maintain stability of your bite as it keeps adjacent teeth in their correct alignment.
Maintains Facial Structure
Loss of bone and support may cause the cheek and jaw area to appear sunken in appearance as a result of tooth loss. Maintaining the facial shape and the loss of the bone due to wearing, a dental bridge keeps the neighboring tissues stabilized.
FAQs
How long does a dental bridge last?
When a dental bridge is taken care of well and with proper care and regular dental checkups, the bridge can last between 5 and 15 years or even more. The durability is based on the habits of oral hygiene practices, materials used, and individual oral health.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
The procedure is not painful. In case of the tooth preparation, there will be no pain because local anesthesia is administered. Minor tenderness or soreness might be felt afterwards, which usually gets better in a couple of days.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, when your dental bridges are completely fitted, you are ready to use it. You can eat normal foods. Nonetheless, sticky, or chewy food should be avoided to make your bridge last long.
How do I clean under my dental bridge?
A water flosser or an interdental brush are some of the tools that can help clean the space below the pontic or false tooth and between the abutment teeth. Your dentist or hygienist might also be able to clean your teeth.
Are dental bridges covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance policies cover bridges, to a certain extent especially when they are medically necessary. This is varied and one should consult with his insurance to see the coverage.
