What Is a Dental or Porcelain Bridge?
A bridge is a dental option for patients who have missing teeth or have decayed or broken teeth that are not strong enough to hold a crown. Patients are advised to get dental bridges for aesthetical purposes, mainly to restore their smiles by filling in the missing teeth with prosthetic teeth. Patients are also recommended for dental bridges to restore functionality in oral activities such as biting, chewing, and speaking.
Who Needs Dental Bridges?
If you’re looking for an attractive permanent way to replace missing teeth, a dental bridge may be right for you. Dental bridges or porcelain bridges are comprised of one or more artificial teeth that fill in the missing gaps. They stay in place by using your remaining teeth as a support base.
Types
What Are the Types of Dental Bridges?
There are four types of dental bridges available as options. Your dentist will determine which type of bridge best suits your needs. These types are:
- Traditional dental bridge: The traditional bridge is the most common type of dental bridge, which involves using replacement teeth using crowns. These crowns are placed on both ends of the gap made by the missing teeth and serve as the anchors supporting the replacement teeth.
- Cantilever dental bridge: A cantilever dental bridge only needs one natural tooth for support and is also held in place by a dental crown on one abutment tooth. While it is a less rigorous procedure, complications may involve tooth or jaw damage from too much pressure on the crown. Hence, it is not advisable to put it on the back of the mouth.
- Maryland dental bridge: Also called Maryland-bonded bridge or resin-bonded bridge, this type involves metal or porcelain frameworks attached to the back of the teeth, with wings that are bonded to your existing teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge: An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks as replacement teeth. Normally, getting an implant-supported bridge would require two procedures, one to place the implants and the other to place the bridge. This procedure is considered the most durable of the available options.
Procedure
What Is the Process of Getting Dental Bridges?
Getting dental bridges would normally require more than one visit to the dental office, and it will depend on which type of bridge you will be receiving.
- First Visit: On your first visit, an initial check-up will be done to ensure that you are appropriately fit for the procedure. After the exams, your abutment teeth will be prepared by recontouring them. Some enamel will be removed so that the crowns will have sufficient room to support your replacement teeth. Then, your dentist will prepare the impressions of your teeth. They will serve as the basis for the fitting of the bridge, crowns, and/or pontics. You will be given a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while you wait for the second visit.
- Second Visit: On your next visit, the temporary bridge will be replaced with the original one and will be adjusted as necessary for the perfect fit. You may expect it to take several visits to ensure that the bridge is properly fitted. It’s also recommended to check if the framework and bite suit you perfectly.
Cost
What Is the Cost of Getting Dental Bridges?
The cost of getting a dental bridge would depend on various factors, such as the type of dental bridge you choose and the materials used. Other factors involve your location, insurance costs (if applicable), and others. Industry prices for dental bridges range from $2,500 to $4,000. You may contact us for an accurate quote tailored to your needs.
Risks
What Are the Risks of Getting Dental Bridges?
Like all dental treatments, some cases may encounter complications after the procedure. In the case of getting a dental bridge, you might experience chewing problems, pain or discomfort, tooth decay, infection, or a broken bridge. If you experience signs that are against the opinion of your dentist, you should make another visit right away to avoid further complications. Rest assured that your dentist will do their best to keep you comfortable at all times during the procedure.
Materials
What Are the Materials Used for Dental Bridges?
Different types of materials are used to make dental bridges, and each would depend on the patient’s case, preferences, and the dentist’s recommendations. Some materials that are commonly used include ceramics, porcelain, and zirconium, among others. The other component of the bridge is the replacement teeth, oftentimes referred to as pontics.
Recovery
How to Recover After Getting Dental Bridges
While you may experience soreness and tenderness in your mouth for a few days after placing the bridge, you can expect them to go away in a few days. However, it would take a few weeks for your gums to fully recover. It is important to maintain healthy oral hygiene to preserve the quality of your dental bridge.
FAQs
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
While you might experience some discomfort during the procedure, your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic to numb the area of concern while placing the dental bridge. Your dentist will make sure that you’re safe and comfortable all throughout the process.
Can I eat properly with a dental bridge?
After getting the dental bridge, most patients find it easier to eat due to the help of their replacement teeth. However, it is advisable to eat soft food for a few days after getting your dental bridge installed.
Will I change how I speak because of the dental bridge?
You can expect the same feeling when speaking after getting a dental bridge. However, for some patients who have had missing front teeth, getting dental bridges has improved their speech.
How long will my dental bridge last?
If maintained properly, dental bridges could last for up to 10 years. It’s a good idea to talk to your dentist from time to time to make sure its quality doesn’t go down.
What is a pontic?
A pontic is an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture; it replaces the lost natural tooth, restores its functions, and usually occupies the space previously occupied by the natural crown.
Attractive permanent way to replace missing teeth in North York
If you’re looking for a dental office in Ontario that’s ready to provide quality oral care services, consult with us at Dynasty Tower Dental today! Our team of experts has decades of experience in caring for patients’ various dental needs. Reach out to us here to find out more about our services!