A Comprehensive Guide to Dental Bridges

There are various solutions that can restore your smile and help you maintain good oral function. One of these treatments includes dental bridges. They offer a reliable and effective method of replacing missing teeth. This comprehensive guide will explore what they are, how they work, their benefits, and the process of getting them.

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are custom-made prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. They bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of metal implants that serve as the tooth's root, an abutment that sits on top of the implant, and a crown that attaches to it. This restores the aesthetic appearance of one's smile and ensures that the surrounding teeth do not shift out of place.

Different types of dental bridges

A general dentist can use different types of bridges depending on the patient's oral health goals. The main four types of dental bridges:

• Traditional dental bridge: This is the most common type of dental bridge. A dentist will use traditional dental bridges when people have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
• Cantilever dental bridge: A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but only has a crown on one end of the gap. The dentist will use these bridges when the patient only has teeth on one side of the gap. They are not as strong as traditional bridges.
• Resin-bonded bridge: These bridges use metal wings instead of crowns. The dentist bonds the wings to the backs of neighboring teeth to hold the bridge in place. They are better for patients who need a durable replacement for front teeth.
• Implant-supported bridge: Implant-support bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but the dentist places them on top of dental implants instead of natural teeth. These bridges are ideal for patients who have three or more missing teeth in a row.

Benefits of dental bridges

Dental bridges offer a natural-looking solution for patients with one or more missing teeth. They help restore chewing and speech function; missing teeth can make eating and speaking difficult. A complete smile can improve confidence in social interactions, positively affecting various aspects of a patient's life.

Dental bridges also prevent neighboring teeth from trying to shift into the gap left by the missing teeth, which can cause misalignment and bite issues. Additionally, missing teeth can cause the facial muscles to sag, giving a prematurely aged appearance. Bridges can help maintain the natural shape of one's face.

The process of getting dental bridges

The first step in getting dental bridges is to consult a general dentist. They will assess the patient's oral health, discuss their options, and determine if dental bridges are the right solution for their dental restoration.

Once the patient is approved, the dentist can prepare the surrounding teeth, where they remove a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns. They will also take an impression of the patient's teeth to ensure that the bridge properly fits their mouth; these impressions typically go to an off-site dental lab where the permanent bridge and crowns are made. The dentist will select crowns that match the color of the patient's natural teeth, cementing a temporary bridge to the prepared teeth to protect them from damage.

Implant-supported bridges

For implant-supported bridges, the patient will need to wait for the implants to heal before the bridge placement. This process, known as osseointegration, can take three to six months as the posts fuse with the jawbone. Once healed, the patient will return to the dental office, where the dentist will take impressions to send to an off-site lab. In the final appointment, the dentist will place the implant abutments and attached-bridge to the implants, cementing or screwing them into place.

Caring for the bridges

Good oral hygiene is a key part of keeping dental bridges and other oral structures in good, functional condition. The following care tips can extend their longevity:

• Brush and floss twice a day
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks
• Avoid chewing hard foods (ice, nuts, etc.)
• Schedule regular cleanings and exams
• Eat a nutritious diet and drink plenty of water

It is also important to notify the dentist immediately if the patient damages the bridge. Proper care and maintenance can help bridges last 5 to 15 years.