Dental Bridges: Important Facts To Consider
A dental bridge is a commonly used type of dental restoration. This bridge, sometimes called a fixed partial denture, is used to replace a missing tooth, or several missing teeth. It is called a “bridge” because it literally bridges the gap caused by a missing tooth or teeth. A traditional bridge consists of two crowns, that are placed on the two teeth which are directly adjacent to the gap, also called “abutment teeth”, and a false tooth or teeth in between. This is a great alternative to the traditional denture, as a bridge is permanently cemented into place, and does not have to be removed every night for cleaning. A Dental bridge can typically last 15 years or longer, making them a great investment for those who have missing teeth.
There are three main types of dental bridges:
These types are traditional bridges, cantilever bridges and Maryland bonded bridges. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge. These bridges involve creating crowns for the two abutment teeth, and placing the false tooth, also called the “pontic,” in between. This type of bridge is made of either ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal. Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one abutment tooth available. Maryland bonded bridges consist of a metal frame which supports plastic teeth and gums. This type of bridge is bonded to your existing teeth using metal “wings,” instead of the traditional crowns.
The process of preparing the teeth for a traditional dental bridge first involves preparing the anchor, or abutment, teeth. These teeth must be filed down and contoured to create room for crowns. An impression of all of the teeth in the area the bridge will be place, is then made. This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, where the entire bridge, including crowns and pontics, is fabricated. The dentist, at this time, gives the patient a temporary bridge to be worn. This temporary bridge is worn to protect the exposed tooth and gum area, until the final bridge is ready. After 2-3 weeks, the permanent bridge is normally shipped back to the dentist.
The patient then comes in for a fitting, to see what type of adjustments need to be made on the final product. This process can involve multiple visits and multiple adjustments of the bridge, to make sure it is perfect. The dentist may then replace the temporary bridge with the permanent one, still using the temporary cement. The patient then tries out the bridge for a couple of weeks, noting any problems or adjustments that may need to be made. Once the bridge is deemed perfect, it is permanently cemented into place.
The cost of a dental bridge can vary widely. This cost depends on the type of bridge, the chosen material that is used to create it, and the dentist’s fees for each visit. The cost of a three-unit traditional bridge typically runs from $1,500 to $9,000. This is a large investment for some, but a healthy, long lasting smile is worth the investment.
