What is a dental bridge?
A large number of people have lost one or more teeth for some reason. There are various ways to compensate for missing teeth, and one of the ways is to make dental bridges. A dental bridge is a false tooth that is kept in its position by means of supports on both sides of the gap, and this construction is tied into one unit. The dental supports of the bridge must be strong enough to take the chewing force of themselves as well as the missing teeth.
Types of Dental bridges
There are four types of dental bridges:
- Traditional
- Cantilever
- Maryland
- Dental bridge supported by an implant
Traditional dental bridge
With traditional dental bridges, the dentist is required to remove some of the enamel from the adjacent healthy teeth, thereby replacing your otherwise intact teeth. This is necessary because the restoration is supported by the crown on both sides.
Maryland dental bridge
Maryland bridges consist of a prosthetic tooth with thin metal “wings” on either side and these wings are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. In this way, any need to drill the natural tooth enamel is eliminated. The wings are attached using a composite resin that hardens under a special light to create a permanent dental bridge.
With proper maintenance and regular oral hygiene, the final product is solid and can last up to 10 years.
You can only use a traditional and Maryland bridge if you have a natural tooth on each side of a gap caused by a missing tooth or teeth.
Cantilever dental bridge
A cantilever dental bridge is held by a dental crown that is cemented to only one tooth, which means you only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth. This type of dental bridge is most often used when you are missing a tooth in the front of your mouth due to the great force that the teeth have to withstand when chewing.
Dental bridge supported by an implant
As the name suggests, implant bridges use dental implants made of crowns and frames. One implant is surgically placed for each missing tooth and these implants hold the bridge in position. An implant-supported bridge requires two operations: one to install the implant and the other to place the bridge.
This process takes several months to complete.
FAQ
Let’s answer your most frequently asked questions.
A missing tooth can be a problem because it creates a gap in the dental row. In such situations, nearby teeth can be distorted or moved to fill the empty space. Such movement further leads to improper bite, as well as bone reduction, which can result in pain and tooth damage.
A dental bridge replaces one or several teeth, and implants can replace one tooth at a time. Also, implants serve as supports for a dental bridge.
Depending on the type of dental bridge you have installed, it can last a very long time. Regular visits to the dentist, every six months, and proper maintenance of oral hygiene are very important.
If your dental bridge is supported by dental implants, then it can last for the rest of your life.
For a dental bridge, it is necessary to take an impression in order to make it exactly according to your measurements.
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