Dental bridges – everything you need to know

If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be looking for an effective and permanent restorative dental solution that won’t break the bank.

A great alternative to dentures, dental bridges will literally “bridge the gap” in your mouth, restoring your looks and confidence as well as your bite and your ability to chew and speak properly.

Let’s find out more about this tried-and-tested solution to missing teeth.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth or teeth that can be fixed onto existing teeth or on to implants inserted into the gum.

Dental bridges are usually made of porcelain or a mixture of porcelain and other materials, providing you with a realistic tooth bridge and a natural-looking smile.

There are four different types of dental bridges available for use according to the position of the bridge in the mouth and your personal circumstances.

What is a traditional dental bridge?

A traditional bridge is the most common type of bridge and is made of porcelain fixed to metal, ceramic or even entirely of a metal like gold. A traditional bridge is generally used to fill in gaps where pre-molars or molars should be.

The false tooth or “pontic” sits in the gap with a crown to fit on the teeth either side. These are referred to as abutment teeth. Your dentist will need to shape the teeth on either side of where the bridge will go to ensure a good fit. The result is a natural-looking and durable solution to a missing tooth.

Pros and cons of a traditional bridge

Traditional dental bridges are tough and will last for a long time if they are taken care of properly.

But because the abutment teeth will need to be reshaped, it means they will lose their enamel and some of their natural strength. This could reduce the life of your natural teeth, which means that they will always need crowns.

However, if the bridge is supported by implants, then your natural teeth will not be adversely affected.

What is a Maryland dental bridge?

A Maryland bridge is a pontic with wings on either side that fix to the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. They can be made of porcelain, porcelain fixed to metal or even plastic. Nowadays, the wings tend to be made of porcelain, which makes them blend in with your teeth in a natural way.

Pros and cons of a Maryland bridge

A Maryland bridge is considered the least invasive of all the different types of bridge. It requires only minimal preparation of your existing teeth, so it is a great choice to preserve their natural strength.

Because they are not as strong as traditional bridges, Maryland bridges are more likely to be used to replace front teeth, which don’t have as much use as your molars do.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that they are not as durable as traditional bridges and can move slightly in your jaw.

Like most bridges, they tend to last for up to 10 years, but they can last much longer with excellent oral hygiene.

What is a cantilever dental bridge?

Cantilever bridges only use a single abutment tooth. They are often used to replace missing front teeth, and they are not strong enough to be used as a substitute for molars or back teeth. They are made of porcelain fixed to metal.

A crown will be placed over the healthy tooth next to the gap, helping to support the bridge that replaces the missing tooth.

Pros and cons of a cantilever bridge

Cantilever bridges are a great choice for front teeth but aren’t strong enough to work on pre-molars or molars.

Like traditional bridges, the abutment tooth adjacent to a cantilever bridge will be compromised by preparatory work.

However, they can still make a suitable solution for a missing tooth towards the front of the mouth.

What is an implant-supported dental bridge?

Instead of using natural teeth to provide the anchor for a bridge, an implant-supported bridge uses dental implants. They are perfect for large gaps where several teeth should be.

Pros and cons of an implant-supported bridge

Implant-supported bridges are strong and long-lasting, but the procedure to fix them will take place over a couple of months. First, a procedure will be needed to fix the implants in the gum, then another to fit the bridge.

But for people with several missing teeth, their patience and perseverance will pay off with this excellent and long-lasting solution to big gaps.

What happens when your dental bridge is fitted?

For traditional and cantilever bridges, your initial appointment will involve reshaping your abutment teeth by removing enamel so that the crowns will fit.

For Maryland bridges, similar – but less radical – preparation work will be necessary.

Impressions will then be made so that the dental lab can proceed to make the bridge, pontic and crowns (if required). Before you leave the appointment, your dentist will fit you with a temporary bridge so that no gaps will show.

On your second appointment, you will be fitted with your permanent bridge, and it will be cemented in place. Your dentist may just fix it temporarily and allow a couple of weeks for you to get used to it before adjusting it and fixing it in permanently.

As mentioned, implant-supported bridges involve a lengthier procedure over a period of weeks or months. The details of this will depend on the individual, so it’s best to discuss your treatment plan with your dentist.

How do you look after your dental bridge?

Oral hygiene is very important when you have dental bridges. Brushing all your teeth – including your tooth bridge – and using mouthwash are recommended. You will also need to floss regularly using a special floss designed for bridges or a water flosser.

You should also visit your dentist for check-ups and cleaning regularly.

How much does a dental bridge cost?

Dental bridge cost varies according to the type of bridge you are having, but they can be an affordable solution to missing teeth.

At Cambridge City Dental, we offer a free initial consult, and we can sometimes cap fees too.

Restore the beauty of your natural smile

Whatever your circumstances, there will be a bridge to suit you and restore the beauty of your natural smile.

If you would like to know more about how a bridge could be the perfect solution for you, contact Cambridge City Dental by sending an enquiry, call or book online.

Restore your natual smile with a dental bridge. Talk to our team at Cambridge CIty Dental about your options.