Dental bridges are caps used to bridge the gap due to missing tooth or teeth. A dental bridge is used for putting an enamel cover on the two teeth that lie adjacent to the missing one, in the midst of which would sit a fake tooth.
The anchoring teeth are known as abutment teeth. The fake tooth is called pontic and can be manufactured out of porcelain, alloys, and gold. The dentist trims down the two teeth touching the gap from either side and keeps the middle part open. You can keep the bridge area clean by flossing inside the gap amidst the crown and the gum.
Advantages of dental bridges
Missing teeth can hinder confidence and affect the want or ability to smile. With dental bridges, you can have a restored smile again. Difficulties in chewing and speaking can now be relieved. The teeth near and around the missing tooth, are prone to falling prey to improper distribution of force during biting. This would be mitigated with the help of dental implants. The rest of the teeth in your mouth would not drift out of their natural position.
Types of dental bridges
Dental bridges fall in three categories:
1. Traditional Bridges– A traditional bridge is where a crown for the missing tooth is created on each side of it and the pontic is placed in the middle. They are generally made out of ceramic or fusion of porcelain with metal. They are the most common types of bridges used by dentists.
2. Cantilever Bridges - These are used when the adjacent teeth are present on only one side of the missing one. Cantilever bridges are not commonly used and are not recommended for the teeth in the back of the mouth as they may apply excess pressure on other teeth and damage them.
3. Maryland Bonded Bridges– These bridges are prepared out of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or plastic teeth and artificial gums, which are held together by a porcelain or metal framework. They are also known as resin bonded bridge. Your existing teeth are bonded to the bridge with the help of metal wings on either side.
How are Dental Bridges prepared?
When you first visit your dentist to get a dental bridge, he will have the abutment teeth prepared. These teeth are re-contoured through removal of a part of enamel to provide for space to accommodate a crown to be positioned over them. To facilitate easy preparation of the pontic, crown and the bridge by the dental lab, the dentist will send the model of the same by taking impressions of your teeth. The dentist will prepare a stopgap bridge to be put in the mouth for protection of the exposed teeth and gums while the lab prepares the bridge.
On your next visit, the dentists will remove the makeshift bridge and check the compatibility and adjustment quotient of the permanent bridge in your mouth. Once the proper fitness level is achieved, he will put the bridge. You may need to subsequently visit the dentist a number of times to have the metal framework and biting convenience adjusted. The number of visits and adjustments required will vary from individual to individual. If you have chosen to get a fixed bridge, the dentist will ascertain the fitting quotient by temporarily cementing the same in place for a few weeks. Once there are no more issues, the permanent cementing would be carried out.
Cost of Dental Bridges
The expenses incurred in getting a dental bridge made would depend on the nature of bridge and the specific region where the procedure is carried out.