A dental bridge is a prosthetic employed for the replacement of one or more missing teeth. It is attached to teeth on either side of the missing tooth via dental crowns that come together with an artificial tooth suspended in the middle.

Similar to natural teeth, dental bridges make speaking and chewing much easier. They are also very easy to take care of and have a lifespan of 10 years or more, if treated properly, meaning with very good oral hygiene. Dentures and implants are some of the most commonly known alternatives to dental bridges.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

Among the most famous dental restoration for replacing one or more missing teeth is a dental bridge. The dental bridges help fill in the gap with one or more false teeth, utilizing the adjacent teeth as support. Additionally referred to as fixed partial dentures, dental bridges have two main components: The abutment- which are the adjacent teeth that support the bridge, they might either be natural teeth or dental implants. The abutments are normally found on either side of the missing teeth. The other component is the pontics- which are artificial teeth that bridge the gap found between the abutments. It is to be noted that there can be more than one single pontic in case you are missing a few teeth in a row. The abutments or natural teeth are typically fitted with dental crowns. Dental crowns on natural teeth are oftentimes called retainers. The retainers are attached to the artificial teeth, or pontics with connectors.

Who Needs A Dental Bridge?

If you have missing teeth, you might require dental bridges. Your teeth continuously exert pressure on each other and share the exact same pressure of chewing and biting. According to Dr. Roland Zhuka, a skilled and experienced implantologist- a missing tooth is a severe issue. In the event that the tooth is not replaced immediately there is a high risk of the other teeth drifting out of position, changing the bite, or probably even causing tooth decay and gum disease. 

Another way of replacing missing teeth is dental implants, and if you are looking for the right implantologist Dr. Roland Zhuka might just be the one you have been looking for.

Why Do I Need A Dental Bridge?

Teeth work as a single unit. If a tooth is lost, another one might move into the vacancy. This can of course lead to jaw issues and pain. Whenever teeth move around in an attempt to fill up the empty space, you might experience insecurities about the way you appear to others whenever you smile. You might feel pain because of the stress on your teeth and jaw. But most importantly, there might be a lot of difficulty while biting and chewing.

Who Is A Candidate For Dental Bridges?

If you are already among those people who have teeth that need crowns (what would later become the abutment teeth), then you are eligible for dental bridges. You are also eligible if you are suffering or medical conditions or are having financial issues that are preventing you from undergoing a dental implantation. Lastly, you are suitable for dental bridges if you aren’t really a fan of dental implants. If you are deemed eligible for the dental bridge procedure, then your dentist will help you decide what type of dental bridge procedure is the best one for you.

Four Types Of Dental Bridges

Four are the types of dental bridges. The differentiation between them stays in the way they attach.

Conventional Dental Bridge

A traditional or conventional dental bridge necessitates a crown or a retainer for the attachment of both abutment teeth. The connector to the crowns can be rigid or fixed-fixed, or one of them can be somewhat mobile (fixed-movable).

The decision on what you need will be dependent on your dentist and your specific case. Fixed-movable bridges enable much more deviation, while fixed-fixed bridges necessitate the surrounding teeth to be parallel.

Cantilever Dental Bridge

Though less common nowadays, traditional bridges might also have a cantilever design. Such bridges have a singular abutment tooth-supporting them rather than two. Cantilever bridges are optimal for people who have teeth only on one side of the missing front tooth or gap.

Maryland Dental Bridge

A Maryland bridge referred to also as an adhesive or resin-bonded bridge, doesn’t necessitate dental crowns on the abutment teeth. Rather, it has wings on each side of the artificial tooth that is attached to the abutment teeth via an adhesive.

Among the most common uses for Maryland bridges are on the front teeth. Such bridges need a shorter preparation process, but for the exact reason, they might not be as safe as traditional bridges. In contrast, the less complicated nature of an adhesive implies a less intrusive procedure.

Implant-Supported Bridge

This kind of bridge is analogous to the traditional permanent bridge. The distinction is in the fact that implants play the role of the abutment teeth instead of a retainer crown being positioned over the natural tooth.

Alternatives To Dental Bridges

The cost and types of dental bridges might leave you with the question “Is a dental bridge the best solution for me?” That’s why in this following section we are presenting you with some of the most commonly used alternatives to dental bridges that might be a better option for you. Make sure to always have a consultation with your dentist whenever making a decision about your dental care. She or he can give you extra medical advice customized to your individual case.

Bridge vs. Implant

With implants, the price isn’t really such a big deal. If there is a single tooth missing, a dental implant will cost approximately the same as a conventional bridge. Some elements to take into consideration however include the fact that bridges do not require surgery, while dental implants do. The procedure can be swifter and simpler, and it requires less visits. In contrast, grade A dental implants are a lifelong investment. While bridges generally need replacement from 10 to 15 years, dental implants don’t. Another advantage of dental implants is the fact that they act as a preventive tool for the degradation of the jawbone that causes bone loss and probably even gum issues from a missing tooth. However, you might not be deemed eligible for dental implants in case you are suffering from issues with the jawbone, seeing as dental implants require healthy and strong bones to function properly.

Bridge vs. Crown

The comparison between a crown and a bridge is more of a specific situation. Crowns are undoubtedly less pricey than a bridge, but they are commonly used for the treatment of different kinds of issues. A crown might be accessible in the event that an existing tooth is able to be saved, for instance, a chipped or cracked tooth. The crown goes on top of the natural tooth, acting like a protective shield. Our advice is that if it is possible to save the original too, then do so. A very preferred pro of crowns is the fact they are unlikely to harm the nearby teeth. Ultimately, as mentioned above, the price of a crown is a little bit lower than that of a dental bridge, ranging from 600 to 1500 euros.

Dental Bridge Procedure: What To Expect

No matter the dental visit, numerous individuals are alarmed and restless about what to expect, and a huge procedure like a dental bridge is no different. Below you can find everything there is to know, broken down into three phases.

Before The Bridge

It is worth noting that a tooth extraction is required prior to any dental bridge being placed. Our previous blogs will give you enough information on how tooth extractions work. Nevertheless, you should be wary of the fact that there might be two days needed for the recovery from the extraction- after all, it is still some kind of surgery. Your dentist will most likely recommend waiting approximately 2 to 3 months to place the bridge to make sure the extraction site is completely healed. Do not rush the whole process, if done too soon it can so happen that the bone resorption underneath the new pontic will turn out terribly.

Visit 1

After deciding on a dental bridge with your dentist, you will get to your initial visit for the bridge placement. Throughout this, the abutment teeth’s preparation is done, for their crown. This involves the removal of a portion of the enamel from your dentist.

They will be made impressions of the teeth and then sent off to a dental laboratory, where the permanent dental bridge will be created. Prior to sending you away, the dentist will provide you with a temporary dental bridge for protection and coverage of the prepared teeth until the next appointment. Ensure to keep it clean.

Visit 2

When your individualized dental bridge arrives from the laboratory, you will have to come in for the second visit. At this point, the temporary bridge will be removed and the permanent one will be checked. There might be a couple of alterations required to make sure of a comfortable fit. Ultimately, the dentist will cement the bridge into place, where it must stay for the next few years.

Proper Dental Care For Dental Bridges

As aforementioned, bridges aren’t a lifetime solution. Nevertheless, proper oral hygiene and routine dental checkups and cleaning every six months can have an impact on the longevity of your dental bridge.

A dental bridge can be a magnet to plaque, bacteria, tartar, and gum problems when not properly cleaned. Thus, learning how to care for and clean the new dental bridge is fundamental. With dental bridges, flossing after each meal and brushing your teeth twice a day becomes an essentiality. Plaque is prone to accumulating underneath the dental bridge, which is why whenever flossing, threading the floss back and forth underneath the bridge is crucial. If you find this hard to do, make sure to ask your dental practitioner for help and tips on oral care for bridges. One of our alternatives is mouth washing for the improvement of your dental health and microbiome. 

Bridge Material: Are Dental Bridges Toxic?

Numerous individuals are understandably well aware of the risk of putting strange and foreign materials into their oral cavity for life, including amalgam fillings. Regrettably, they aren’t simply making things up.

Data and research have proved that the metal some bridges contain can lead to allergic reactions and autoimmunity issues. Whilst not all bridges are toxic, we always suggest to our patients to choose ceramic alternatives.

Have a discussion with your dentist regarding the concerns and worries you are having with the material in your bridge, particularly metals. When possible, the doubts should be addressed prior to getting the bridge put in. Wanting to know what is going on in your mouth for the upcoming 10 to 15 years isn’t such a dumb idea.

FAQs

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges aren’t precisely a solution for life. Averagely speaking, they need replacement every 10 to 15 years.

Is It Hard To Eat Or Speak With A Dental Bridge?

Following the insertion of a dental bridge, you might suffer from some tenderness, but while the inflammation goes down, speaking and eating should start getting better, compared to when your teeth are missing. During this time our recommendation would be to use coconut water, clove oil, or CBD oil for the pain and inflammation reduction, au naturel.

How Long Does It Take To Get Used To A Dental Bridge?

The time one takes to get used to a dental bridge varies from one individual to another. The majority of people, however, say that to feel comfortable only takes one week to two. Yet, for full healing, root canals and a tooth extraction site require approximately six to eight weeks.

How Long Do I Have To Wait After A Tooth Extraction To Get A Bridge?

Typically, prior to a bridge being placed, the extraction site is given approximately three months to be fully healed. The precise timing is established by the dentist on the basis of the reasons behind the extraction and oral health conditions including gum disease.

Should A Dental Bridge Cause Pain While Chewing?

There should be pain only straight after the placement. Considering dental bridges aren’t a permanent solution if your dental bridge starts causing trouble or pain, let your dentist know right away. Such issues can get worse with time.

Can I Whiten My Dental Bridge If It No Longer Matches My Teeth?

Please note that whitening techniques are only applicable to natural teeth, meaning they do not work in dental restorations. If you are looking for a way to match your bridge teeth color to your real teeth, there will be a bridge replacement required.