Candidates for Dental Bridges

To receive a dental bridge, the patient needs to have some remaining natural teeth. In general, dental bridges are appropriate for cases of one or a few missing teeth. If the patient is missing a large portion of the arch, another treatment may be preferable.During a consultation, we can go over possible options and see which one will be most effective for the patient.

Since it can take up to six months for the gum to heal completely, an individual may experience a delay in receiving a dental bridge. Additionally, a bridge may not be an option if there are insufficient bone and tooth matter to support it. Quality Family Dentistry can evaluate whether a patient is a candidate for this treatment. In some cases, a dental bridge may only be part of a treatment plan or smile makeover.

Dental Bridge Types

There are four major types of dental bridges. Three of them use different mechanisms to attach to the abutting teeth. The fourth type connects to the jawbone via an implant.

• Traditional. A traditional bridge is a combination of one or more replacement teeth with crowns on either side. It is necessary to grind down the abutment teeth slightly. The crowns are placed over the natural teeth and cemented in place.
• Cantilever. This is similar to a traditional bridge but used when there is only a single abutment tooth. It uses a cantilever design to secure the bridge in place from a single point.
• Maryland. The Maryland dental bridge also connects to the adjacent teeth. However, it has a metal framework that bonds to the inside of the natural teeth with resin, avoiding the need for crowns on the abutment teeth.
• Implant-Supported. Some bridges are implant-supported. They connect directly to the jawbone with dental implants, small metal studs that replicate natural tooth roots. Typically, there is one implant placed per replacement tooth.

Dental Bridges Versus Dentures

One alternative to a dental bridge is a set of partial dentures. These can replace one or a few teeth similarly. However, unlike dental bridges, the dentures are not permanently placed but are removed for cleaning and sleeping.

Eating and speaking can feel more comfortable with dental bridges than with dentures, as dental bridges are more firmly rooted in place. Furthermore, you must remove dentures to clean them, whereas you can brush dental bridges like natural teeth. However, according to the American Dental Association , cleaning dental bridges may require extra care to ensure the health of the gum beneath the replacement teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can be an effective treatment for missing teeth. Our team recommends this option to patients who are candidates and want to restore the form and function of their mouths. These are a few of the benefits:

• Emulate Natural Teeth: The porcelain teeth on a dental bridge look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are stable in the mouth. Therefore, they are similar to natural teeth when eating and speaking.
• Allow Brushing: Patients can clean dental bridges in the mouth, unlike with removable dentures, meaning they can brush and floss like normal. Maintaining this familiar process can make care more manageable.
• Provide Value: Compared to implants, dental bridges are less expensive. They may cost more than removable dentures. Many patients find that they provide a healthy balance between cost and effectiveness.
• Perform Effectively: Missing teeth may produce embarrassment and make speaking and eating more challenging. They may also slowly erode the jawbone over time. A dental bridge is an effective way to overcome these issues.