Dental Bridges

When is a Dental Bridge Required?

As mentioned above, Dental Bridges are used for replacing one or more than one tooth. But not everyone is a good candidate for getting a Dental Bridge. Initial oral examination along with radiographs help your dentist to determine if a bridge would be beneficial for you.

Factors that make one a good candidate for dental bridges include:

• Missing one or more permanent teeth
• Having no serious medical conditions, infections or any other health problems
• Healthy surrounding teeth with strong bone structure to support the bridge
• Good oral health status
• Has dexterity to perform oral hygiene practices to maintain the condition of the dental bridge

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four types of Dental Bridges available today. Taking into consideration your oral health needs along with the following factors help your dentist decide what type of bridge would work for you:

• Age (Bridges aren’t generally placed in children)
• Number of tooth missing
• Size of the gap
• Adjacent tooth condition
• Whether natural tooth is present on either side of the gap

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Different types of dental bridges are as follows:

A. Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional dental bridge consists of a false tooth or series of teeth being held in its place by dental crowns cemented onto abutment teeth on either side.
This is the most popular type of dental bridge used. Widely used in cases when there are healthy natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth gap.

B. Cantilever dental bridge

The design is almost similar to that of a traditional dental bridge, but there’s support taken from only one end not both. The bridge is bonded over to the crown on one end and on the other side, the artificial teeth “hangs over”/extends over the gap.
It is generally used in cases where natural teeth are present only on one side of the gap. Due to their design, cantilever bridges do not tend to be as strong as traditional braces.

C. Maryland dental bridge

They are also known as resin-bonded bridges. They use metal wings instead of crowns to secure the bridge in place. The wings are bonded to the back of your neighboring teeth.
Given their design, they aren’t strong enough to withstand the chewing forces of back teeth, hence used to replace front teeth.

D. Implant-supported bridge

The difference between a traditional bridge and implant supported bridge tends to be its supporting structure. While traditional bridges gain support from adjacent teeth, implant supported bridge rests atop dental implant. These dental implants have small threaded posts that act as replacements for missing teeth roots.
Dentists generally recommend implant supported dentures when there are three or more missing teeth in a row.

Cost of Dental Bridges

The cost of dental bridges are variable and are affected by the following factors:

• Number of teeth needed to fill the gap
• Material used for fabrication, such as composite resin, zirconia or metal alloy covered in resin
• Complexity/Difficulty of placement
• Additional treatments required for other dental issues, such as gum diseases

The prices offered by Clove Dental for some of the most popular bridge designs are as follows:

Metal Bridge

Starting ₹6,580

PFM Bridge

Starting ₹6,580

Dental Bridges v/s Implants

Dental Bridge Procedure

The basic procedure of placing a bridge involves placing a crown on teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting crowns are joined together by another crown that acts as a false tooth to fill in the gap of missing teeth.

The procedure of getting implants is multi stepped, so involves multiple dental visits.

• Initially, your dentist will do a thorough oral examination, using clinical methods as well as radiographs.
• If any tooth decay or gum diseases are to be seen, the primary step would be to treat them.
• Your surrounding teeth and mouth will be now measured and checked to ensure that the teeth are strong enough to support bridges.
• Depending upon the design chosen for the bridge, either one or both teeth on either side is filed to prepare for the dental bridge. An impression will be taken, out of which a mould will be created for fabrication of the bridge
• A temporary bridge might be given while you wait for a permanent bridge, to support and protect the tooth structures.
• Final step involves using dental cement for fixing the permanent bridge into its place.

Risks & Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer many benefits. But they also come with their own set of drawbacks too:

ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL BRIDGES:

• Offer a natural looking solution for tooth loss
• Restore chewing and speech function (missing teeth makes it difficult to eat or speak properly
• Prevents drifting of teeth into the space left behind by missing teeth

DISADVANTAGES OF DENTAL BRIDGES:

• If there is any damage or trauma to your abutment teeth, it also weakens your dental bridge
• If the abutment teeth aren’t strong enough to be able to support your bridge, they tend to fracture easily
• If proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained, it leads to gum inflammation or cavities

How to Care for Your Dental Bridges

You can insure increased longevity of your bridge by taking good care of it. Some of the steps you should follow to assure the well-being of your dental bridge are:

• Regular dental checkups for assessment and cleanings
• Brushing your teeth twice daily and making floss your best friend
• Using threaded floss and small brushes to clean between teeth
• Staying away from hard or very chewy food
• Don’t chew on items that might damage your teeth
• Try using a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste

Don’t ignore these signs and visit your dentist as soon as you have any of these problems:

• Your bridge is loose or cracked
• It hurts upon chewing
• Your teeth have become sensitive, or your gums feel sore or are bleeding

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What problems could develop with Dental Bridges?

Common problems that develop with Dental bridges:

• Ill-fitted bridge
• Increased levels of tooth sensitivity
• Tooth Decay
• Damage to anchoring tooth
• Damage to the dental bridge itself

2. How long will a Dental Bridge last?

A dental bridge easily lasts 5-15 years before the need for replacement. You can help it last by taking good care of it.

3. Do I need to undergo root canal treatment for placement of the crown?

It is not always necessary to get a root canal treatment done when getting a crown. But this depends upon the extent of tooth damage.

4. What are alternatives to Dental Bridges?

Dentures(removable or fixed) and implants(fixed) are two other common prosthetics used to replace missing teeth.

5. Is Dental Bridge Painful?

Getting a bridge doesn’t hurt. There might be some discomfort during the initial adjustment phase, but not pain.. Your dentist numbs your mouth for the parts of the procedure that might be painful.

6. What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges?
Pros:

• Offers a natural looking replacement for missing teeth
• Helps to restore proper chewing and speech function
• Prevents shifting around of surrounding teeth

Cons:

• Success rate is dependant upon the health of supporting(abutment) teeth
• There is a risk of fracture if abutment teeth are weak
• Requires diligent oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and cavities

7. What is the best Dental Bridge Material?

Porcelain fused to Zirconia and pure porcelain are commonly used materials for dental bridges.

8. Will my Dental Bridge Look Natural?

Dental Bridges aim to offer a natural looking solution for tooth loss

9. How many appointments does it take?

Dental bridge takes two visits to prepare and fit. It includes preparing the abutment teeth, fabricating restoration and placing of the bridge.

10. Is it possible to get a cavity under a bridge?

With compromised oral hygiene, there is a possibility of cavity development under a bridge

11. How many crowns are on a bridge?

They have two crowns – one on either end – and a bridge of replacement teeth that rest in the area of the gums where there is tooth loss.

12. Is a tooth bridge permanent?

The average lifespan of a bridge is five to 15 years. They are permanent in the sense that only a dentist can remove them.

13. What is the cost of a 3 tooth bridge in India?

At Clove Dental, the starting price for a metal bridge is Rs. 6580 and for a PFM bridge is Rs. 8780.

Medically Reviewed

Last Reviewed by Clove Clinical Team on June 26, 2024 | Written by Dr. Akhilesh Bhasker, BDS, MDS.