Dental Bridge

Introduction

Dental Bridge is the most commonly used norm in a dental office when one thinks of replacing a tooth or teeth. Dental bridges are used to replace the missing tooth and restore the esthetic and function of the missing tooth. So a person need not get confused or tense anymore after hearing this word, as this article helps to know about dental bridges in detail so that one can think and decide about the different dental bridges one wants to go for.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is used to fill the gap of a missing tooth or teeth. It is typically made up of crowns that are rested and cemented in place on either side of a missing tooth or teeth.

Dental bridges are a commonly used solution for replacing missing teeth. Dentists and prosthodontists have been using dental bridges for many years. A dental bridge is for bridging the gap that occurred because of a missing tooth or teeth. The tooth used for support (anchor tooth) is called the abutment tooth. The false teeth (crown) at the site of the missing tooth are called pontics. Pontics are made up of gold alloy porcelain, or ceramic material.

Who Needs a Dental Bridge?

Indications of Dental Bridges:

A person with a missing tooth or teeth because of:

• Caries.

• Periodontitis.

• Advanced gum problems.

• Congenital missing tooth or teeth.

For getting a dental bridge, a person needs healthy teeth on either side of the edentulous area.

Why Is It Important to Get a Dental Bridge?

When it comes to chewing or biting function, the teeth start to work together, be it in the same arch or the opposite arch. When one tooth or more than one tooth is missing, then the following adverse effects occur:

1. Opposite teeth will not get any stable points to chew on.

2. Adjacent teeth on either side of the edentulous space will not get enough support, so there are chances that teeth on either side of the edentulous space will tilt or move towards the side of the edentulous space.

3. At the site of the edentulous space, there will be more bone resorption, so the ridge at the site will get resorbed slowly.

4. There will be pain and extra stress on the teeth and jaws.

5. The look will get hampered because of a missing tooth or teeth and may lead to becoming self-conscious about the look and smile.

How Dental Bridges Look Like, or What Do They Consist Of?

A typical dental bridge consists of:

1. Abutment Teeth: These are anchoring teeth or supporting teeth. That may be natural teeth or dental implants. The dentist places crowns on teeth on either side of the gap.

2. Pontics: This is a false tooth or teeth. It fills the gap of the missing tooth and attaches to the adjacent crowns. There are different types of dental bridges, and mainly, they are sorted into four types:

• Traditional Fixed Bridge- This is the most commonly used dental bridge. These are made up of metal or ceramic or porcelain or metal fused to porcelain. It consists of a filler tooth and two or more crowns that are connected.

• Cantilever Bridge- This type of bridge is connected to only one side of the abutment tooth. This is indicated in the case where there is only one abutment on one side of the edentulous site.

• Maryland Dental Bridge or Resin-Bonded Bridge- These are used in cases where the anterior tooth is missing. These are made up of porcelain fused to metal or ceramic crown and are supported by a framework, and it has wings on either side of the bridge that bond to existing teeth.

• Implant-Supported Bridge- In this type of bridge, implants are used instead of teeth for cementation to keep the bridge in place.

What Are the Options Other Than a Dental Bridge to Replace a Missing Tooth?

1. Removable Partial Denture- Removable partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth, and they can be taken out of the mouth for cleaning.

2. Dental Implants- Implants are screws to replace missing teeth; these are surgically placed in your jaw.

The type of replacement option will vary from case to case; consulting a dentist will help decide which option is good for you.

What Benefits Do You Get After Getting Dental Bridges?

1. A dental bridge helps restore a smile, which gives a feeling of comfort and boosts self-confidence.

2. It helps to restore facial proportions that were disturbed because of missing teeth, and hence it restores facial esthetics.

3. Dental bridges restore the ability to chew and bite properly, which was hampered because of missing teeth so that there will be an equal distribution of force on teeth.

4. As there will be a distribution of force on the teeth, there will not be any resorption of an underlying edentulous ridge or bone structure.

5. As the missing tooth is now replaced by a pontic, there will not be any drifting of adjacent teeth into edentulous space.

What Is the Process to Get a Dental Bridge?

1. In the first visit for a dental bridge, abutment teeth are prepared. In this, some portions of enamel are removed with the help of burs (rotating tips) to create room for placing a crown on a tooth or teeth. It is also known as crown preparation.

2. After crown preparation, the next step is to make an impression of the prepared tooth or teeth. Impressions are poured with dental stone, and models are prepared; these models are used as molds for the fabrication of bridges, pontics, and crowns, that will be prepared by a dental technician in a dental lab.

3. The temporary bridge is given till you get a permanent bridge from the lab that will act as a protective measure for gingiva and prepared tooth structure.

4. During the next visit, the temporary bridge will be removed, and the permanent bridge will be cemented in place and checked for adjustment and proper fit.

5. The proper fit of the permanent bridge framework is checked many times, and till that, the person will be cemented with temporary cement for a few weeks, and then they are cemented with permanent cement once it is sure that it fits properly.

What Are the Complications of Dental Bridges?

Proper care should be taken which helps the long life of the bridge. If the abutment teeth get decayed or if the cement deteriorates then the cemented bridge loosens and detaches from the natural tooth. If the bridge becomes loose and the abutment tooth is strong and intact then the bridge can be replaced with new cementation.

Dental bridges have a life of about five years, with proper care and regular dental checkups, and cleaning the bridge can last up to ten years without any complications.

What Care Should Be Taken to Maintain Dental Bridges?

• Brushing and Flossing:

Twice brushing and regular flossing help effectively in maintaining a dental bridge. A specialized floss is used called the threader which helps to clean the space between the bridge and the gums.

• Regular Dental Cleaning:

A regular dentist visit is advisable which helps to detect problems earlier.

• Diet:

Include more fruits and vegetables in the diet, and reduce eating chewy and fibrous food like meat.

Conclusion

Dental bridges are very commonly used to replace the missing tooth, which also helps to restore the esthetic and function of the missing tooth. When the missing tooth is not replaced it affects the way a person eats, smiles, and talks. Proper maintenance of oral health through regular brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can help to prolong the life of a dental bridge.