Table of Contents
- What is a dental bridge?
- Who requires a dental bridge?
- What are the types of dental bridges?
- How much does a dental bridge cost?
- Why should you opt for a dental bridge?
- What are the complications of dental bridges?
- Does a dental bridge create problems in chewing or eating?
- How do I take care of my dental bridge?
- What is the lifespan of a dental bridge?
A smile is worth a thousand words. You can make it relevant by maintaining good oral hygiene and dental health. But then what should you do when you have missing teeth for any reason, especially the front teeth? Well, in such cases, a dental bridge is the solution.
A dental bridge can help restore the look and function of missing teeth. There are specialized dental practices that can help you get the right solution.
What is a Dental Bridge?
If you have gaps in your teeth due to one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can fill that gap with artificial (false) teeth.
A dental bridge is usually made of crowns on either side of missing teeth, supporting the false tooth, known as pontic, and cemented in place. Notably, you should have healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth for a dental bridge.
Who Requires a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is an ideal solution for those who have missing teeth due to an injury, gum disease treatment, or tooth decay. Some people may have missing teeth due to a congenital condition since birth.
What are the Types of Dental Bridges?
There are four types of dental bridges:
- Traditional Fixed Bridge:
This is the most popular and commonly used dental bridge. It consists of two or more crowns along with filler teeth/teeth that are connected. The traditional bridge is made of ceramics, metal, or porcelain fused to metal.
- Cantilever Bridge:
This dental bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. In this, the pontic is held in its place through a dental crown cemented to a single abutment tooth. This bridge is ideal for those with natural teeth only on one side of the missing teeth.
- Maryland Dental Bridge (resin-bonded bridge):
This dental bridge is used when you have a natural tooth on both sides of the missing tooth/teeth. Like traditional fixed bridges, Maryland Dental Bridge is made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal, supported by a framework. The wings on both sides of the bridge bond with the existing teeth.
- Implant-supported Bridge:
This dental bridge uses dental implants instead of frameworks or crowns. Usually, an implant is surgically positioned for every missing tooth. These implants help to hold the bridge in place.
If one implant for every missing tooth is impossible, the bridge can have a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns. Implant-supported Bridge is considered the most stable and strongest system. It requires two surgeries:
- To embed implants in the jawbone
- To place the bridge
This procedure may take a few months to finish.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
The cost of a dental bridge is dependent on various factors, such as:
- The number of teeth required to fill the gap
- The type of material used – zirconia, composite resin, or metal alloy covered in resin
- The additional treatments for dental issues like gum disease
- The difficulty or complexity of the placement
- The geographical location
Most importantly, the dental bridge cost will also depend on the type of bridge preferred. Let us look at the average cost in the UK:
| Dental Bridge | Average Cost |
| Traditional or Cantilever Bridge | £250 – £800 per unit |
| Maryland Dental Bridge | £250 – £1,000 per unit |
| Implant-supported Bridge | £2,900 or more |
Why Should You Opt for a Dental Bridge?
Besides filling the gap of missing tooth/teeth, a dental bridge is helpful in many other ways, such as:
- Restoring your smile
- Restoring your pronunciation and speech
- Restoring your ability to chew properly
- Maintaining the shape of your face
- Re-adjusting your bite to distribute the force while chewing
- Preventing your natural teeth from moving out of the correct position
What Are The Complications of Dental Bridges?
Although a dental bridge is an excellent alternative to missing teeth, it may fail if the supporting teeth decay or the cement weakens. If the dental bridge becomes loose while the supporting teeth are intact and healthy, your dentist can re-attach the bridge with new cement.
Does a Dental Bridge Create Problems in Chewing or Eating?
It may take some time to get used to the bridge in teeth. And so, initially, you may feel a bit uncomfortable. You can start eating soft food items. You can cut the eatables into smaller pieces till you get used to the dental bridge.
How Do I Take Care of My Dental Bridge?
The success and lifespan of your dental bridge will significantly depend on the health and hygiene of your supporting teeth. You need to maintain good oral practices to prevent gum diseases or tooth decay, as it may lead to tooth loss, affecting your dental bridge.
Let us see how daily practices can help you care for your dental bridge.
- Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day:
Brushing twice a day helps maintain good dental hygiene. You can learn the correct way to brush your teeth from your dental practitioner.
- Floss Every Day:
Floss your teeth daily to avoid cavity or decay. You may use a threader – a special type of floss – that will let you slide the floss between your gums and the bridge.
- Schedule Regular Checkups and Cleaning:
It is recommended to schedule a dental checkup and professional cleaning regularly. This can help you detect any problems on time, which will help you act accordingly.
- Eat a Balanced Diet:
You should include plenty of vegetables, fruits, and natural foods in your diet. You should try to limit chewy and fibrous foods (like some meats).
What is The Lifespan of a Dental Bridge?
Generally, a dental bridge needs to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. To ensure a dental bridge stays for a more extended period, you should practice good dental hygiene and schedule professional cleanings.
If you are looking for a dental bridge, you can choose to consult Complete Smiles – providing the most professional dental services related to dental crowns and bridge treatment in Harrow.
For more information, please get in touch today!
Latest News
Red Gums: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Our gums, which are sometimes neglected in our dental hygiene regimen, are extremely important in exposing the condition of our oral health. Although a healthy pink is the ideal gum colour, red gums can indicate a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Red gums might appear to be a minor issue, but they are […]
Tartar: What is it and How to Prevent it?
By: Anjula Roshan
Imagine a microscopic army of bacteria infiltrating your mouth, producing a sticky biofilm on your teeth, and solidifying into tartar, a tough, plaque-like substance. This hardened deposit, which is usually yellow or brown in colour, is a silent traitor hiding beneath the surface and endangering the health of your teeth and gums. Plaque, the soft, […]
