Having a normal set of teeth with minimal complications is quite appealing. This is because gaps and holes in your mouth can lead to numerous dental complications and the fabrication of a dental bridge is imperative when solving such issues. Oftentimes, orthodontic treatment can replace the need for a dental bridge by closing spaces or may be necessary to create space so that your general dentist can perform the restorative treatment using a dental bridge. Today, we will be looking at dental bridges, types, how the dental bridge works, and the dental bridge cost.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that fills gaps left by missing teeth. The inserted artificial tooth is called a pontic and can be made using various materials such as gold, palladium alloys, chromium, or nickel.
However, most dentists recommend porcelain because it has the utmost blend with natural teeth and provides a glass-like whiteness like natural enamel. The material is also durable and easy to mold.
Types of Dental Bridges
Your general dentist will conduct a test to determine which dental bridge works best for you. There are four types of dental bridges that have varying options based on the patient’s aesthetic needs and budget. They include:
#1: Traditional Dental Bridge
The traditional dental bridge, the most common type of the four, is ideal for patients with natural teeth on both sides of the area with a missing tooth. It consists of a false tooth positioned in place by dental crowns cemented on each other. Dental crowns are essential in providing anchor points while the fake tooth closes the gap. The most significant benefit of this type of dental bridge is its remarkable strength. Nonetheless, the adjacent teeth may require modifications for a seamless operation.
#2: Cantilever Dental Bridge
The Cantilever dental bridge differs from traditional bridges in that the fake tooth is positioned by a crown cemented to one anchor tooth. This type is commonly used in the front teeth because Cantilever bridges can cause too much stress on a single tooth when placed at the back of the mouth. The process may also require the removal of the enamel from the supporting tooth to enhance stability.
#3: Maryland Bonded Bridge
The Maryland bonded bridge utilizes a structure similar to the traditional dental bridge. Rather than deploying dental crowns, a metal or porcelain framework serves the purpose of an anchor. The use of a framework minimizes adjacent teeth modifications as it is attached at the back.
Maryland bridges are only applicable when there is a natural tooth on both sides of the gap.
#4: Implant-Supported Bridge
As the name suggests, dental implants are deployed rather than crowns or frameworks. Implants are placed using a dental bridge surgical procedure and can serve any area of the mouth as opposed to Cantilever bridges that operate dental bridges on front teeth.
These dental bridges work without support from adjacent teeth, and they are favorable for larger gaps, especially ones with several missing teeth. Implant-supported bridges are also prominent for remarkable strength, durability, and restoration of normal functions. However, the most notable downside is that they require surgical procedures and a recovery period.
What Is the Average Cost of a Dental Bridge?
After understanding the different types of dental bridges, you may wonder how much they cost. A quick survey reveals that dental bridge costs range between $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the type you choose. To breakdown further, Traditional bridges cost between $2,000 to $5,000, while Maryland between $1,500 to $2,500.
The Difference between Dental Bridges and Dental Implants
These two terms may be quite confusing as they are both used to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges are artificial teeth that are placed permanently to adjacent teeth and can work for a period of 10-15 years. Dental implants are long-lasting artificial teeth that require oral surgery to place them in the jawbone and require months to heal completely. Dental implants can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Nonetheless, proper hygiene is inevitable in both.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
It is no secret that dental bridges have immense medical and aesthetic advantages. Some of the key advantages are articulated below:
- They restore a natural look on your jawline. Having gaps can create a distorted look, especially when you open your mouth.
- Bridges reinstate the ability to speak correctly since gaps in the mouth can impede proper pronunciation.
- Dental bridges help maintain a normal facial structure since gaps may result in bone loss from the jaw.
- Filling gaps in the mouth can ensure that you chew food seamlessly.
Bridging ensures that you get perfect and straight teeth alignment when performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
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