Dental bridges are efficient methods of filling a missing tooth. If you are missing a tooth and as a result, you have a gap in your teeth, and you wish to have it filled up —dental bridges can be used. A dental bridge is a permanently fixed dental prosthesis which looks and feels like your natural teeth. Dental bridges have excellent durability and can last for about 10-15 years.
There are different types of dental bridges available. However, it is after proper consultation with your dentist, will you be able to know which dental bridge is most suitable for you. Every bridge has its advantage and disadvantages. In this guide, you will be given adequate information about dental bridges, and this will enable you to make the right decision on which type of dental bridge to choose. This guide is comprehensive enough to answer questions like;
A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis that bridges a gap between two teeth. Sometimes, dental bridges are used to treat hypodontia, but dental bridges are used primarily to fill teeth gap caused by either tooth decay or accidents. If you have more than a tooth missing, your dentist may suggest you opt for the implant-supported bridge instead.
Dental bridges come in various materials and finish such as ceramic, metal and porcelain.
Metal bridges are usually the cheapest, while porcelain and ceramic teeth are generally more preferred due to their natural look. However, the latter is often more expensive. To manage the cost and to get a natural look, there is another option of dental bridges made of ceramic or porcelain, but they are fused to a metal base. However, your choice of a dental bridge will be determined by the position of your teeth and budget.
There are two ways in which a bridge can be attached to an existing tooth.
This is one of the most common types of dental bridge, and it is used to replace one or two adjacent teeth. The prosthesis used to make a fixed bridge has a crown on the two ends, and artificial teeth in the middle. The crowns are hollow enough to fit the neighbouring teeth to keep the bridge in place.
The teeth used as the anchor teeth should be healthy enough to withstand pressure from the crowns. Also, the anchor teeth will have to be filed down to its original size to be able to fit the crowns. A root canal treatment may be performed on the anchor teeth to remove the needed amount of enamel. After the anchor teeth are ready, the impression of the teeth will be taken and sent to the laboratory. The patient may be given a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth. When the permanent bridge is ready, the patient will wear it, and if it fits, the dentist will use a bridge cement to hold it in place.
The drawback in traditional dental bridges is that two healthy teeth have to be sacrificed and used as the anchor teeth.
A dental bridge for your front teeth may require two crowns by the side. If you have a missing front tooth, your dentists will advise you on the best bridge to use, or you can contact The Harley Street Dentist to get help on the most suitable bridge for you. You can visit us on Harley Street, London today or call us on 02071830903to book an appointment.
The cantilever bridge may be used when there is only one natural tooth next to a missing tooth. The benefit of a cantilever dental bridge is that they require only one healthy tooth to be reshaped. However, they can not be compared to dental bridges that have two crowns. The cantilever bridge is seldom used where biting or chewing pressure is more.
This type of dental bridges is used when there is only one bridge to be replaced. Instead of being fitted into the adjacent teeth like fixed bridges, they have metal or porcelain wings which are bonded to the edge of the adjacent teeth.
Bonded bridges help preserve the health of the anchor teeth. However, they may not be as strong as fixed bridges. The bond holding it in place may weaken in time and cause them to lose their strength.
Each of the procedures mentioned above has its advantages and disadvantages. A good way to determine the best method for a patient is to have a consultation and proper examination with a dentist.
This procedure allows implants to be placed at the root where the tooth should be —these implants are made from titanium. Since titanium is compatible with our body, there should be no allergic reaction to the implant. There is an abutment which holds the replacement tooth in place.
Benefits of dental implants
However, implants require surgery and are more expensive than bridges. Implants usually take some months to settle while bridges require shorter time.
Bridged implants are a good option for patients who do not have teeth healthy enough to be used as an anchor, or for those with several teeth in a row missing. For implant-supported bridges, implants are put in place of anchor teeth and then bridges are fitted over them.
Dentures can be seen as false teeth —it has one or more prosthetic teeth fixed to a frame which is made of plastic or metal which clips around the existing teeth. Dentures are versatile and can replace the teeth of people who have lost all their teeth. Partial dentures are very affordable, but they are inconvenient. Dentures may last for a year before they require replacements. While wearing dentures, you have to be careful about what you eat as some particles can damage the teeth. Full dentures are removed at night and left overnight in a cleaning solution. With partial dentures, the teeth can be cleaned regularly, but sometimes it should be removed for special cleaning by the hygienist.
| Dental Bridge | Dental Implant + Bridge | Partial Denture |
---|---|---|---|
Permanency | Fixed to adjacent teeth | Implanted in the jaw bone | Removable |
Longevity | 5-15 years | 20 years | 5-10 years |
Comfort | Like natural teeth | Like natural teeth | May become loose |
Appearance | Like natural teeth | Like natural teeth | May look artificial |
Function | Like normal teeth | Like normal teeth | Remove to clean. Avoid certain foods |
Cost (Private) | Medium | High | Low |
Cost (Public) | €269.30 | N/A | €269.30 |
The cost depends on the material used and the type of bridge. Your dentist should have a bill ready for you.
Yes. The public health care centre offers dental bridge services. However, public health care does not give you a choice. The dentist will provide you with a suitable material according to the clinic standard.
The cost of a dental bridge with a public health care dentist is €269.30 —this price is fixed regardless of how many teeth you treat. However, not all types of bridges are offered by public health care.
The advantage of private treatment is that you get to choose your material. Also, the waiting time is lesser in a private dental clinic. This table below shows you what to expect;
Type Of Bridge | Average Cost |
---|---|
Traditional fixed bridge | €250- €800 |
Bonded bridge | €350- €1000 |
Implant-supported bridge | From €2900 and above |
If you go abroad for your dental bridges, you can save money. In countries like Hungary and Poland, there is a 50-70% discount available, and the standard of care is higher. Dental insurance policies cover teeth bridges in the UK also. However, many systems have a waiting period that applies before you can get treatments like dental bridges.
Complications can also arise from dental bridges. Some of the common problems that you may encounter include;
Poor oral hygiene, decay in supporting teeth, and poorly fitted bridges that irritate the gums can cause infections under the dental bridges.
As your mouth tries to get used to the dental bridge, you may feel some sensitivity. However, it should not last for more than a few weeks and should be reported to the dentist if it does last longer.
If food gets caught under dental bridges, it can be difficult to remove, and it can cause the build-up of bacteria after some time.
If the dental bridge feels loose just after it has been inserted, it needs to be re-cemented. Also, if it starts feeling loose after some time, you still need to re-cement it. Do visit your dentist and complain about it.
The dental bridge may feel uncomfortable after it is inserted, but this should not last for more than a week. If it persists, do ensure you visit your dentist.
If a porcelain-fused to metal is used, with time, the porcelain can start to wear, and it may reveal a line of metal at the gum line —this does not mean anything is wrong with the bridge, but it can cause an unpleasant sight. To avoid this problem, using an all-ceramic bridge is advisable.
It may seem easier to ignore a missing tooth primarily if it is found in a part that is not so visible. However, patients are advised to replace a missing tooth for the following reasons;
This happens a lot, but there is no need for you to panic. The dental bridge should emerge naturally after some time without any complication. However, if this does not occur after 2-3 days, please inform your dentist about it.
Dental bridges can last for about 10-15 years, depending on how well you care for it.
Dental bridges usually need about a few days or weeks to get settled.
The procedure for a dental bridge is carried out under local anaesthetics. There may be a little discomfort, but no pain will be observed.
Conclusively, getting a tooth replacement does not have to consume all your money. Patients are advised to go for the option that suits their financial capability. However, if you are more concerned with appearance and do not mind the money, you can go for the more advanced, natural-looking options. Do contact The Harley Street Dentist today if you need help on the most suitable tooth replacement option for you, do pay us a visit on Harley Street, London or call us on 02071830903 to book an appointment.
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