Any condition that affects a person’s mouth is known to be one of the biggest worries people have to deal with as they grow older. Sometimes, people get into accidents, which may cause damage to at least one of their precious teeth. Dental clinics have been giving patients various treatments that deal with fixing decayed, broken or missing teeth. One of these options that is currently being given to patients is called dental bridge. This tooth restoration treatment is known for helping people get a better sensation of chewing. In this article, we will be discussing more about a dental bridge and its different types. In addition, we will also show the average costs it may take for people to get dental bridges installed in their mouths.
What is a Dental Bridge?
As one of the tooth restoration treatments, dentists use dental bridges as a way to replace missing or broken teeth, so people will be able to restore their proper ways of chewing and will also help these people speak better. This type of tooth restoration is known to be a permanent solution and can last for a longer period of time. Dental bridges are made by fusing several objects that would fit into the spaces where the broken, decayed, or missing teeth were previously located. A dental bridge makes use of any of the surrounding teeth that are located close to a missing tooth.
Dental bridges are used as an alternative to partial dentures, another type of tooth restoration. Some of the materials used to create a dental bridge include porcelain, alloys or gold. Porcelain is known to be the best option for any missing teeth that are visible when opening the mouth. This is due to the fact that porcelain can be easily matched to the color of a person’s natural tooth. A dental bridge is usually made up of the parts, which include:
Abutment
o This is used as the base of the dental bridge. It is mainly used to anchor the bridge.
o The abutment is used to secure and hold the crown.
o The abutment teeth may be the available natural teeth that can still hold on to the crown.
o If preferred, abutments may not use the natural teeth and can be implanted instead. This type of abutment can be made from stainless steel, gold, zirconia, polyether ether ketone, or titanium.
Crown
o This is usually used to securely hold on to the pontic and cover the abutment.
o A crown is placed over and cemented on the abutments.
Pontic
o This is basically the fake tooth used to replace any of the missing teeth.
o Pontic is usually made from cast metal or a combination of metal and porcelain.
Different Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used for a common purpose, using false teeth to close the gaps produced by missing teeth. However, there are different types of dental bridges that are used for specific situations. You should be familiar with these types so that you will understand why your dentist might recommend a specific type over the other. You may refer to the following for more information on the different types of dental bridges:
Traditional dental bridge
o This is the most common type being used on patients. This is due to the fact that the structure used is stronger than the other types.
o This type of dental bridge is used when you still have natural teeth surrounding the area with the missing teeth.
o It may use one or more pontic teeth that are supported by crowns that are placed over abutment teeth.
o Traditional dental bridges are known to be strong enough to replace a person’s molars. These are usually made from ceramic or metal fused to porcelain.
o Some of the enamel from your natural teeth will be removed by the dentist to create some space for the crown to fit. This is one of the downsides of traditional dental bridges since enamel does not grow back.
o If you have your dental bridges changed in the future, you will still need to use crowns to be placed on the abutment teeth.
Cantilever dental bridge
o This type of dental bridge is used when there is only one natural tooth available adjacent to the space created by the missing tooth.
o This is not as strong as traditional dental bridges since the pontic is only held by one crown.
o This is not recommended to be placed on the back part of the mouth where chewing is done heavily. Too much pressure may loosen the hold between the pontic and crown.
Maryland dental bridge
o This type of dental bridge is installed in a different manner.
o There is no need for the dentist to make preparations for the adjacent natural teeth. The abutment teeth will not be removed of any enamel.
o Crowns are not used in this type of dental bridge. This type makes use of a pontic and a metal framework. The pontic is made of porcelain to give it a more natural tooth color. The pontic is placed in the middle of the metal framework. This may look as if the pontic has two metal wings on the side. These wings have a porous structure so that they can be securely bonded to the back side of the adjacent abutment teeth.
o This is recommended to be placed on the missing front teeth since there is less pressure when it comes to chewing.
Implant-supported dental bridge
o This is a type of dental bridge where there is more than one missing adjacent tooth.
o Dental implants will be placed on the ends of the dental bridge. A metal abutment is placed on the dental implant. A crown will then be used to cover the metallic abutment. The crowns will also be used to securely hold on to the pontic tooth, the same as a traditional dental bridge.
o This process might take a longer time to finish since surgery will be made for each dental implant that is needed to be installed.
Tips to Reduce Complications After the Installation of Dental Bridges
After your dentist has successfully installed the dental bridge, you should make sure that you follow what your dentist will be telling you for your recovery. With the chance of having surgery done to your gums, there is still a chance of infections if you do not take proper care of your mouth. Below are some tips you should consider to avoid getting complications:
- You must follow any dietary restrictions your dentist will be giving you.
- It is normal for you to feel mild to severe pain even a few days after the procedure has been done. However, if it has taken a few weeks and the pain has not subsided, you must go back to your dentist to have your dental bridge checked.
- Tooth sensitivity is also normal. It may take a few weeks before it disappears. If it has already reached a month and the sensation has not disappeared, go to your dentist for a checkup.
- Always take the medications prescribed by your dentist. This will help in the healing process.
- Before a permanent bridge is installed in your mouth, always wear the temporary bridge that was given to you. This will also help you familiarize yourself with the feeling of wearing a dental bridge.
- Follow a regular check-up schedule with your dentist. Tooth decay is bound to happen when you are not able to clean your teeth and dental bridge properly.
Costs of Dental Bridges
A dentist will be the one to recommend which type of dental bridge is needed to be used for your situation. The cost of installing dental bridges will depend on the amount of work and the type of materials that will be used to create your dental bridge. You may refer to multiple dental clinics to confirm which one is offering you the best price. However, to give you an idea, you may refer to the following average costs of getting dental bridges installed within Ontario, Canada:
o Traditional: CAD 1,500 – CAD 5,000
o Cantilever: CAD 1,500 – CAD 5,000
o Maryland: CAD 1,500 – CAD 2,500
o Implant-supported: CAD 4,000 – CAD 15,000
Dental Bridges is a Cost-Effective Treatment if Done Properly
With the installation of a dental bridge, it may cost you a relevant amount to have a procedure done on you. This is an investment to improve your chewing and way of speaking, especially if you started experiencing difficulties during the time you lost your tooth. This is why you should always go to reputable dental clinics for any dental concerns. This is to ensure that a licensed dentist will be handling your case. Having the wrong type of dental bridge installed may only give you more discomfort and will be a waste of your money.
You may contact Osmin Denture Clinic & Premier Dental Health & Facial Esthetic Center Inc. at 647-294-3310 if you are in need of some dental care. Being one of the trusted dental clinics in Ontario, we will make sure that you will not regret having your dental issues fixed by our licensed professionals.