When dental patients need to replace missing or deeply damaged teeth, they have many options available to them. Which one you choose will depend on your personal finances, preferred functionality, and aesthetic.
One of the options available is receiving a dental bridge. Our dentists at Bridge Creek Dental have performed countless dental bridge installations as well as other dental procedures and can offer their years of experience assist you with all your dental needs.
What Are Dental Bridges
A basic dental bridge consists of a group of at least two dental crowns and a pontic (replacement tooth). The two crowns flanking the pontic and will cap the teeth which immediately surround the pontic. These crowned teeth are called abutment teeth.
Dental bridges are made with a combination of materials, with the main component being porcelain. Some bridges are completely made of porcelain; however, a pure porcelain bridge is not always that durable. For a stronger bridge, many porcelain bridges are fused with metals such as gold, titanium, palladium, and other metals. If you have a particular metal allergy, be sure to inform our dentists.
Types Of Dental Bridges Available
There are several options available when considering having a dental bridge put in. The options vary both price, durability, and other important considerations. Our dentists will be sure to cover all options during your consultation with them.
Traditional Dental Bridge
The traditional dental bridge is as we described above — pontics flanked by crowns. When placing a traditional dental bridge, our dentists will need to grind down the abutment teeth so the crowns can adhere to them. While you will not feel pain, the process can be hard on the abutment teeth and leave them vulnerable to bacteria.
As for durability, the average traditional dental bridge lasts between 7-10 years, though some can last longer with excellent care. However, the pontic will not be as strong as your natural teeth, as they have no root system.
Implanted Dental Bridge
An implanted dental bridge is considerably more sturdy than a traditional dental bridge, thanks to dental implant technology. The implanted titanium posts offer a tough root system for the implanted bridge, with no need to grind down your healthy teeth to place the dental bridge.
Like the average dental implant, implanted dental bridges regularly last between 10-15 years or longer. You will still need to be a bit careful with any pontic in the bridge, but overall, implanted bridges are fairly durable.
Cantilever Bridge
One of the more affordable dental bridge options is the cantilever dental bridge. Instead of requiring at least two crowns and a pontic, the cantilever requires only one crown and a single pontic. This dental bridge option can either use an abutment tooth like a traditional bridge or can be implanted.
Due to the single support offered by the cantilever, this type of bridge is not as sturdy as the traditional or implanted bridges. The implanted cantilever is sturdier thanks to the implanted post but you would still need to be careful with the pontic. However, with proper care, cantilever bridges can last up to 10 years.
Maryland Bridge
The Maryland bridge, also called resin-bonded bridge, is the most affordable option but also the least sturdy. The pontic is set in the place of the missing tooth and resin is used to bond it to the abutment teeth. Sometimes the resin will be applied with a metal support structure or by using veneers. If you are interested in this option, be sure to discuss your preferences with our dentists.
With an average lifespan of 7-10 years, the Maryland bridge isn’t a bad option. You would need to be a bit more careful around this bridge as you don’t want to accidentally damage the resin keeping the bridge in place.
Dental Bridge Benefits
There are many ways you can benefit from a dental bridge. Not only does it replace missing or damaged teeth, dental bridges:
- Can help improve self-confidence
- Are crafted to match your teeth for a natural look.
- Improve your bite
- Cost effective when compared to other ways to replace teeth
- Frees you from needing to avoid foods due to teeth pain
- Fixed in place, so you can adjust easier and faster
- Faster than other dental procedures to replace missing teeth
Dental Bridge Considerations
Along with the benefits of choosing to have a dental bridge, there are some considerations to take into account before you go ahead with a dental bridge.
- The average lifespan of most dental bridge options is around 10 years. Some options, such as implanted teeth, last longer.
- Bone loss will happen in areas where pontic rest, as there is no longer a root to support the jawbone.
- Traditional dental bridges can traumatize neighboring abutment teeth and leave them more vulnerable to bacteria.
Process Of Receiving A Dental Bridge
Depending on the type of dental bridge you choose to go forward with, you will have a slightly different process. Any implanted dental bridge take longer than a traditional bridge abutment, as you will need time to allow your implanted posts to heal.
Beyond the implant placement and healing, it will take around two visits with our dentists to have your dental bridge placed. At the first visit, scans or molds are made from the existing teeth. The dentist then reforms the teeth to let the bridge crown fit over the top. The dentist will put a temporary bridge in place and send the data to a lab to create the bridge. At the subsequent visit, the permanent bridge is cemented into place and adjusted as necessary.
Our dentists at Bridge Creek Dental have advised countless patients on their dental options and are ready to help you make the right decision for your oral health. Contact us today to set up an appointment to meet with our dentists and start the process towards better oral health.
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