Even though tooth loss in the US has decreased significantly when compared from the 1970s to the 2010s, many adults will have at least a tooth (or three) missing by their thirtieth birthday.
A dental bridge may be an option for you if you’ve lost a tooth. In order to link the teeth on each side of a gap left by a lost tooth, a pontic or bridge tooth is used to bridge the space.
Dentists can use them to replace any lost teeth. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are typically employed when you’ve lost two or more consecutive teeth. Keep on reading to explore the nuances of a bridge tooth and what a dental bridge is all about.
Dental Bridge and Bridge Tooth: Understanding the Basics
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you’ll require a dental bridge, also known as a tooth bridge. If it’s just one tooth, then it’ll be a bridge tooth.
On both sides, the fake tooth is kept in place by the adjacent teeth, which are called pontics. For example, pontics may be produced from gold. Due to its ability to match seamlessly with your natural teeth, porcelain is the material of choice for most of these restorations.
Dentists use dental bridges as an alternative to dentures for patients with missing teeth. Compared to partial dentures, they are more practical since they improve your ability to eat and communicate. Additionally, the aesthetics of a bridge are more in line with the rest of the smile.
Your dentist will help you figure out the perfect solution to replace missing teeth for your specific case.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Dental bridges come in three primary varieties. There are traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bridges.
A traditional bridge consists of a pontic, which spans the gap created by the missing tooth, and two crowns, one on each side of the missing tooth or implant. Porcelain-fused-to-metal or ceramic-based bridges are the most popular kind of bridges.
When a lost tooth or teeth are only on one side of a neighboring tooth, your dentist can use a cantilever bridge. Using this technique at the rear of the mouth, where it might place undue weight on nearby teeth and cause harm, is becoming less prevalent.
Porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums are supported by a metal or porcelain framework in Maryland bonded bridges (also known as a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge). There may be just one side of the bridge that gets attached to your teeth using metal or porcelain wings.
A Dental Bridge: What’s the Procedure?
The abutment teeth are prepped for a dental bridge at the first appointment. In order to install a crown on top of these teeth, a part of enamel must be removed in order to recontour the teeth.
The dental lab will use the imprints of the teeth as a model for creating the bridge, pontic, and crowns. While the permanent bridge is being created, your dentist will build a temporary one for you to wear to keep the exposed teeth and gums safe.
This second appointment is when you’ll have your temporary bridge removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge fitted properly.
The metal structure and bite may need to be checked on more than one occasion. Each person’s situation is unique in this regard.
To ensure that the dental bridge is correctly positioned, your dentist may temporarily cement it in place for a few weeks. For the first time in a long time, the bridge has been completed.
What Is the Price of a Dental Bridge?
A popular inquiry for patients is, “How much does a bridge cost?”
This is because the price may influence the kind of bridge a patient chooses. The cost of a dental bridge will depend on a number of variables, including the kind of bridge.
- Material used to make the bridge;
- Number of missing teeth;
- Necessary dental treatments before bridge placement;
- Difficulty placing the bridge due to location in the mouth;
- Cost due to geographic location.
Also, different bridge styles have varying prices.
For instance, let’s take a look a the traditional bridges and cantilever bridges. The price range for both kinds is between $2,000 and $5,000. For each abutment tooth, a pontic and a crown are required.
Maryland bridges have an average price range of $1,500 to $2,000. Included in this is a single pontic and the abutment teeth affixed to the pontic.
There are also implant-supported bridges. The four most costly bridges cost between $5,000 and $15,000 each. That presupposes a three- or four-tooth bridge supported by two dental implants.
How Do I Maintain a Bridge?
Bridge success is dependent on healthy and strong teeth around it, therefore it’s crucial to maintain the condition of your remaining teeth.
In order to avoid tooth decay or gum disease that may lead to tooth loss, it is important to brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash on a regular basis.
Dentists and dental hygienists may show you how to clean and floss your teeth correctly. Maintaining a regular cleaning regimen aids in the early detection of issues when treatment outcomes are better. Choosing a nutritious diet is also essential.
False Tooth and Dental Bridges: Exploring Your Options
In this day and age, you won’t find yourself lacking options when it comes to dealing with tooth loss. Whether you’re going for a bridge tooth or dental bridge, there are options for everyone.
To find out whether you need a dental bridge, speak with your dentist. They’ll help you pick the best kind of bridge for your mouth.
For now, we hope that our guide has given you a solid starting point for your research. Next step, you’ll want to check out our medical and health sections for more tips on maintaining your oral health.