Role of dental bridges is exactly the one which is being represented by their name; i.e. they bridge the gap between the teeth. The gap that has to be covered in this regard is basically a result of missing tooth or teeth. A typical bridge consists of two or more dental crowns that have to sit on the anchoring teeth at either side of the gap. Those anchor teeth are known as abutment teeth. The gap is covered with a false tooth or teeth. This false tooth is known as pontic tooth.
Benefits of dental bridges
Dental bridges offer the following benefits:
- Immediate restoration of your smile after tooth loss
- Restoration of your ability to speak and eat properly
- Maintaining the shape of your face
- Proper distribution of the pressure across all of the teeth without getting part of the bite getting exposed to unusual pressure
- Prevention of drifting of other teeth around the gap
Types of dental bridges
There are three main types of dental bridges
- First type is of the traditional dental bridges. A traditional bridge is suitable when there are two teeth, which can be used as abutments, at the either side of the missing tooth. It’s the most common type of dental bridges.
- Cantilever bridges belong to the second type of dental bridges. This bridge is ideal when adjacent teeth are present only on one side of the missing tooth.
- Maryland bonded bridges consist of a prosthetic tooth which has two metal wings that are attached to the back of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
The process of getting a dental bridge
The process of dental bridge attachment is usually covered in two dental visits. During first dental visit, enamel on the teeth surrounding the missing tooth is etched to a little extent to make room for the crowns to be adjusted. Then an impression of the teeth is taken. This impression is sent to the lab where the bridge is prepared. A temporary bridge is attached to the teeth to support jaw’s functionality until the bridge is prepared.
During next dental visit, the temporary bridge is removed and new customized dental bridge is placed. The dentist may have to make minor adjustments to ensure proper fit. You may be required to pay a few more dental visits to get the fitting of the bridge properly checked.
How long do the bridges last?
A dental bridge is made to remain ideally functional for 15 years, or even longer if you take good care of your oral hygiene. The average lifespan of a dental bridge is more than 10 years.
Here, you have to make sure that you are taking good care of your teeth in general and dental bridge in specific. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush is really important. You need to be on the top of your oral hygiene by flossing and use of a high quality mouthwash. Moreover, make sure that you visit your dentist after every 6 months.
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