Dental bridges are one of the fastest tooth replacement options. They restore function to your smile and help you regain confidence. They also resolve speech difficulties caused by missing teeth such as a lisp.
These use composite resin to bond a false tooth (pontic) to the backs of healthy anchor teeth. Reinforced wire or Ribbond can be added for extra strength.
Aesthetics
Dental bridges can fill in gaps left by missing teeth, improve your smile’s appearance and help to maintain the alignment of your bite. They can also make chewing and speaking easier, and help to distribute the force of your bite more evenly across the teeth and jaw. However, it’s important to consider all the risks and benefits of dental bridges before getting one.
Aesthetics is the study of beauty and art, including people’s appreciation of beautiful things. It is generally thought that aesthetics is related to a person’s sense of taste and judgment. This is evident from the many works of philosophy that examine the nature of beauty and art, such as Burke’s Introduction to Taste, Hume’s Standard of Taste, and Kant’s Critique of Judgment.
The bridge is supported by crowns fitted on natural teeth or dental implants next to the gap in your mouth, which are called abutment teeth. Typically, the abutment teeth must be reshaped to prepare them for the crowns. This may involve some enamel removal. In addition, several dental visits are needed to install the bridge.
The most common type of dental bridge consists of two traditional crowns and one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics. Another option, known as a Maryland bridge or resin-bonded bridge, uses metal wings that are bonded to the backs of the abutment teeth. This bridge is less costly than a traditional fixed bridge, but it’s not as strong and is only suitable for the front teeth.
Function
Dental bridges not only restore the look of a person’s smile, but they also help to address the functional issues that result from missing teeth. Without a replacement, the remaining teeth shift to fill in the gap, which can cause complications with chewing and speaking. This can lead to difficulty pronouncing words or a lisp, as well as pain and discomfort while eating. A bridge eliminates these problems by replacing the missing tooth or teeth.
A traditional fixed bridge is composed of a pontic (false) tooth anchored by crowns on adjacent healthy teeth. The healthy teeth are called abutment teeth, and they must be structurally sound to support the bridge. If these teeth are decayed or damaged, the bridge may become unstable or fail. A cantilever bridge is an alternative to a traditional fixed bridge, and it’s best used in cases where there are only one healthy tooth on either side of the missing tooth.
In addition to their functional benefits, dental bridges are a relatively conservative tooth replacement option. They’re less invasive than full dentures and do not require a dental implant. However, they do not prevent bone loss in the area of the missing tooth. This can lead to facial sagging, shifting of nearby teeth, and further tooth loss. Replacing the missing root with an implant is the only way to stop this bone resorption and promote new growth.
Maintenance
A single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth can detract from your smile and make it harder to chew or pronounce words correctly. These problems can also lead to more serious oral health issues, including bone deterioration in the area where the teeth are missing.
Dental bridges are artificial “teeth” that can fill in the gap left by missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns that are fixed to healthy teeth on either side (called abutment teeth), and one or more false teeth that fit in the gap (called pontic teeth).
Once the dentist has prepared the abutment teeth, they will make an impression of the treatment area. This is used to create a custom dental bridge for you in the laboratory. Then, the bridge is placed in the mouth and fixed to the abutment teeth with dental cement.
You can help keep your dental bridge healthy by following good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, and scheduling regular cleanings. You should also avoid chewing hard objects or food, as this can damage the bridge. In addition, you should use an easy-to-use dental hygiene aid such as a floss threader, super floss, or interdental brush to clean underneath the bridge. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly so they can check for any issues with your bridge and ensure it is functioning correctly.
Cost
Depending on the type of bridge chosen, prices vary. Dental bridges are fabricated from different materials, including porcelain fused to metal, all-ceramic, gold alloy metal frameworks covered by porcelain, and high-strength zirconia or alumina dental ceramics. Your dentist will choose a material to best match your smile, teeth and bite. They will also consider where the bridge is being placed in your mouth, whether you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism) and your insurance coverage.
To prepare for your bridge, your dentist takes X-rays and impressions of the area to create a model of your teeth. They may also prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping and removing some of the tooth structure. While this is happening, they will provide you with a temporary bridge to protect and cover the prepared area until your permanent restoration arrives.
Once your custom bridge is fabricated by the lab, your dentist will schedule a second visit to remove the temporary and cement your new restoration in place. Once the bridge is in, your dentist will evaluate it for fit and comfort and make any necessary adjustments. You should expect your dental bridge to last for the rest of your life if you maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular appointments.