Fixed Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed, non-removable prosthesis that is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Abutment teeth in front of and behind the missing space are crowned and support the prosthesis that includes a crown in the area of the missing tooth that is held by the abutment teeth.
There are different types of materials used in making dental bridges or pontic. The most popular types are the traditional bridges, which feature porcelain fused to metal. They draw their popularity from the fact that porcelain material aesthetically blends with natural teeth.
Other types of Dental Bridges are:
Cantilever
Cantilevers are similar to traditional bridges. The only difference is that cantilever dental bridges have the pontic held in position with a dental crown cemented to only a single abutment tooth. They only need one natural tooth on either side of the missing tooth gap.
Maryland
Maryland bridges use two natural teeth, one on each side of the missing tooth gap. Maryland bridge employs a metal or porcelain frame bonded on the abutment teeth.
Implant-Supported
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of crowns and frameworks. The installation involved one implant surgically placed on every missing tooth gap to hold the bridge in position.
The bridge may also have a pontic suspended between implant-supported caps when there are no implants for every missing tooth. These are the most robust and most durable dental bridges.
Their installation process requires two surgeries, the first to fix the implant in the jaw bone and the second one to place to fit the bridge in its rightful position
Reasons For a Fixed Bridge:
Missing a tooth or two can affect you in different ways, which you can avoid through installing dental bridges.
The following are some of the benefits of dental bridges:
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- Enhances Smile
- Helps you regain the chewing and biting ability
- Improves you’re your speech and pronunciation
- Maintains the shape of your face
- Holds adjacent teeth into positions
The Process of Having Dental Bridges Fixed
- When you first visit your dentist for dental bridges, he/ she will examine your dental structure and determine the best method to use. He/she will then begin to prepare the abutment teeth by filing a portion of the enamel to allow room for the intended crown.
- After that, the dentist will begin to make an impression of the subject teeth. The resultant model will be taken to a professional dental laboratory, where the bridge, pontic, and crown will be made. In the meantime, the dentist will give you a temporary bridge-wear to help you protect the teeth and gum. He will then schedule you for another visit.
- The second visit happens when the crown is ready. The dentist will remove your temporary bridge-wear and try to fit the new porcelain bridge. He might need to trim and polish the bridge severally to ensure that it fits perfectly in the intended position.
- Your doctor may then recommend multiple visits to assess the fit of the bridge plus its general development. Fixed bridges may also require temporary cementing to fit appropriately. The cement may remain on the surface for a couple of weeks before applying permanent adhesive.
A perfectly fit dental bridge should last between five to fifteen years. We recommend proper oral hygiene and regular check-up for lifespan.
At first, the dental bridges may bring a little discomfort, especially when eating. However, you will get used to it with time, but before that, get accustomed to soft food.
Factors That Affect the Cost Of Fitting A Dental Bridge
The following factors will determine how much you pay for a fixed bridge
- Additional treatment for underlying dental issues such as decay and gum disease
- The complexity of the procedure
- The material used in the process like zirconia, composite, and metal alloys
- Length and number of gaps to be filled
- Type of bridge selected, e.g., traditional, cantilever, or Maryland
- Geographical location and level of facility
