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Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed permanent appliance that replaces a missing tooth or teeth. It consists of several pieces that are fused together to fit into the open space where your tooth or teeth used to be. A dental bridge is an alternative to partial dentures. A bridge can help you eat and speak more effectively and improve the appearance of your teeth. A dental bridge can be made from a variety of materials, including alloys or porcelain. When replacing a front tooth, porcelain is most often used because it can be matched to the natural colour of your teeth.
This article will review the different types of dental bridge. You will learn what to expect if you need a dental bridge, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of having a dental bridge.
Types of dental bridge
There are four main types of dental bridge:
- Traditional
- Cantilever
- Maryland
- Implant-ported
Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the most popular type of dental bridge and can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
Although similar to a traditional bridge, it replaces only one missing tooth by resting on the tooth next to it. Its use is limited.
Bridge Dental Maryland
Similar to a traditional bridge, the Maryland dental bridge uses two natural abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap, which are bonded only to the backs of the abutment teeth, unlike a traditional bridge that surrounds all the abutment teeth. Like a traditional bridge, the Maryland bridge can only be used when you have a natural tooth on either side of the gap caused by the missing tooth or teeth.
Implant-supported dental bridge
As their name suggests, implant-supported bridges use dental implants rather than natural teeth. Before the implants can be placed, a cone beam or CT scan must be carried out to determine the precise volume and quality of the recipient bone site. Once the indication for treatment has been established, the implants are placed under local anaesthetic, in conditions of surgical asepsis. Two to four months later, the implants are integrated into the bone. These implants support a bridge that will replace the missing teeth.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can offer a number of advantages, including :
- Give your smile a natural look
- Restore your ability to speak normally, as missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce words (enunciation)
- Maintain normal facial structure by preventing jawbone loss at the site of the missing tooth or teeth
- Help you chew food more effectively
- Prevent adjacent teeth from moving into the empty space, which can cause bite problems and other complications
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges have a number of disadvantages:
- Damage to abutment teeth
- Bacteria and plaque that can get inside a bridge or crown that doesn't fit properly and cause tooth decay.
- Crowns can change the structure of your teeth and affect your bite
- A bridge can collapse if the abutment teeth are not strong enough to support it.
Why do I need a Dental Bridge?
When you have a missing tooth or teeth, it can affect you in a number of ways. A dental bridge can address these changes, including:
- Restore your smile
- Restore the ability to chew properly
- Restore your speech and pronunciation
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Adjust your bite to distribute the force evenly when chewing
- Prevent your remaining teeth from slipping out of position
In conclusion
If you are missing a tooth or several teeth, you have various replacement options to discuss with your dentist. There are many advantages to using dental bridges, and many factors, including cost, that need to be taken into account before making a decision. It is therefore important to consult your dentist to determine the ideal type.
