Dental Bridges
Dental bridges, also known as fixed prosthesis, are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Once placed, dental bridges are difficult to remove. Dental bridges rely on the support of artificial teeth and adjacent teeth to hold it in place. Dental bridges make it easier to chew food when one or more teeth are missing.
Why a Dental Bridge?
The vast majority of people wonder, “Why should I replace a missing tooth?” This is especially true if they can eat comfortably and are unconcerned about the aesthetics of the missing tooth. But did you know that even one missing tooth can throw your mouth’s balance off? Yes, it’s true! If you do not replace one or more missing teeth, the following will occur:
Types of Dental Bridges
Aside from aesthetics, most people are unconcerned about their crooked teeth. However, they are unaware that their misaligned teeth can be detrimental to their dental health. The conditions that necessarily require braces:
Traditional Bridges
Bridges of this type are the most commonly used to replace missing teeth. Two or more pontics replace the missing teeth in these bridges, and crowns on two abutment teeth on both sides support the prosthesis and keep the bridge in place. Metal, porcelain fused to metal, or fully ceramic dental bridges are available.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever dental bridges, as the name implies, are similar to cantilever bridges in that the bridge is attached to only one abutment. When you only have teeth on one side of the gap, this bridge is usually recommended.
Maryland Bridges
These bridges are most commonly used to replace missing front teeth. The pontic is made of ceramic or metal-ceramic and it has wings that extend from the bridge to the abutment teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
The only difference between these bridges and traditional bridges is that the abutments on traditional bridges are your own natural teeth, whereas the abutments on implant-supported bridges are implants.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Once fixed, the dental bridge becomes a permanent part of your oral cavity and functions in the same way as your other teeth. This also implies that you should take extra care of your bridge, such as brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist twice a year for teeth cleaning. Because dental bridges are made of synthetic materials, they tend to collect more dirt and deposits than natural teeth, necessitating extra care.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental bridge can last up to 10 years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Yes. A Dental Bridge can replace two or more missing teeth as long as the prosthesis is supported by a sufficient number of abutments.
Yes. Bridges can be used to replace missing teeth in the front.
Dental bridges are fixed partial dentures that are cemented to natural teeth or roots and provide the prosthesis with its primary support.
A bridge can be placed once the socket has healed completely, which takes 3–6 months after extraction.