Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges Explained

Dental bridges serve as effective solutions for people with missing teeth. These dental appliances fill gaps from missing teeth and restore your smile. Clearview Dental offers dental bridges as part of our comprehensive tooth replacement options. This article examines the benefits and drawbacks of dental bridges to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are fixed dental restorations that replace one or more missing teeth. A typical bridge consists of two crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth or teeth in between. The false teeth, called pontics, can be made from various materials including gold, porcelain, alloys, or a combination.

Bridges attach to natural teeth or implants that provide support on each side of the gap. These supporting teeth are called abutments. The design creates a bridge across the empty space where teeth are missing.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four main types of dental bridges:

  • Traditional Bridges – These involve creating crowns for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
  • Cantilever Bridges – These are used when adjacent teeth exist on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This is not common and not recommended in the back of the mouth where it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.
  • Maryland Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges) – These consist of a pontic that is bonded to the existing teeth with a metal or porcelain framework. These are commonly used to replace front teeth and require less preparation of adjacent teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Bridges – These use dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Typically, one implant is placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position. If one implant for each missing tooth isn’t possible, the bridge may be suspended between two implant-supported crowns.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Restored Smile and Function

Dental bridges fill gaps caused by missing teeth. This restoration improves the appearance of your smile. You regain the ability to speak and chew properly with dental bridges. Many patients experience renewed confidence after bridge placement.

Preserved Facial Structure

Missing teeth often lead to facial sagging over time. The jaw bone loses stimulation and starts to deteriorate without tooth roots. Bridges help maintain your face shape by providing structure where teeth are missing. This preservation prevents premature aging signs that missing teeth can cause.

Protection for Remaining Teeth

When teeth go missing, adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space. This shifting creates new gaps and alignment problems. Dental bridges prevent this movement by filling the space. They help maintain proper bite alignment and protect your remaining natural teeth.

Quick Solution

The dental bridge process typically takes just two to three visits. Compared to implants that may take months to complete, bridges offer faster results. Most patients can have fully functional bridges within a few weeks of starting treatment.

Cost-Effective Option

Dental bridges generally cost less than dental implants. Many insurance plans provide partial coverage for bridges as they are considered a standard treatment. This accessibility makes bridges an attractive option for many patients with budget limitations.

Drawbacks of Dental Bridges

Impact on Adjacent Teeth

Traditional bridges require reshaping the teeth adjacent to the gap. This process involves removing some enamel from these healthy teeth. This modification is permanent and can weaken otherwise healthy teeth over time. Even with proper care, the altered teeth face higher risk of decay and other problems.

Bone Loss Concerns

Unlike dental implants, bridges don’t replace tooth roots. Without stimulation from roots, the jawbone gradually deteriorates in the gap area. This bone loss can change facial structure over time and potentially affect the stability of the bridge.

Limited Lifespan

Dental bridges typically last between 5 and 15 years with proper care. Eventually, most bridges need replacement due to normal wear or complications. This limited lifespan means additional procedures and costs over your lifetime compared to more permanent solutions.

Cleaning Challenges

Bridges require special cleaning techniques to remove food particles and bacteria. You need special floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean under the pontic. This additional maintenance can be time-consuming and difficult for some patients, increasing the risk of decay if not done properly.

Potential for Complications

Bridges may cause sensitivity in the supporting teeth, especially immediately after placement. Poor fit can lead to discomfort, bite problems, or damage to the supporting teeth. Some patients experience allergic reactions to the metals used in certain bridges.

Who Makes an Ideal Candidate for Dental Bridges?

  • People with one or more missing teeth
  • Those with good oral health and healthy teeth on either side of the gap
  • Patients committed to good oral hygiene practices
  • Individuals who cannot or do not want dental implants
  • People with sufficient bone density in the jaw
  • Patients looking for a quicker solution than implants
  • Those who want a cost-effective tooth replacement option

The Dental Bridge Procedure

The dental bridge procedure involves several steps. First, your dentist prepares the abutment teeth by removing a portion of enamel. This preparation creates room for the crown placement. The dentist then takes impressions of your teeth to serve as models for the bridge fabrication.

While the permanent bridge is being made, the dentist places a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums. During your second visit, the dentist removes the temporary bridge and positions the new permanent bridge. The fit gets checked and adjusted as needed before permanent cement secures the bridge in place.

Most patients need a follow-up appointment to check the bridge fit and make any necessary adjustments. The entire process typically takes two to three weeks from the initial consultation to the final placement.

Maintenance Tips for Dental Bridges

Proper maintenance extends the life of your dental bridge. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Clean under the bridge daily using floss threaders, interdental brushes, or water flossers. These special tools clean areas where regular floss cannot reach.

Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and examinations. These visits allow early detection of any issues with your bridge. Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects that could damage your bridge. Wear a mouthguard if you participate in contact sports or grind your teeth at night.

Alternatives to Dental Bridges

  • Dental Implants – Titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone that support crowns; they prevent bone loss and don’t require altering adjacent teeth
  • Partial Dentures – Removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth; less expensive but less stable than bridges
  • Complete Dentures – Full set of removable teeth for patients missing all teeth in an arch
  • Implant-Supported Dentures – Removable dentures that attach to implants for improved stability
  • No Treatment – Leaving gaps unfilled (not recommended due to shifting teeth and bone loss)

Cost Considerations

The cost of dental bridges varies based on several factors. These include the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, geographic location, and additional treatments needed. Basic bridges may cost between $700 and $1,500 per tooth. More complex bridges using premium materials can cost $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth.

Many dental insurance plans cover 50% to 80% of the cost of bridges, as they are considered a standard treatment option. Financing options and payment plans help make dental bridges accessible to more patients. The initial investment must be weighed against long-term considerations, including the potential need for replacement.

Making Your Final Decision

When deciding on dental bridges, consider your specific needs and circumstances. Speak with your dentist about your oral health situation and treatment goals. Ask about the expected lifespan of different options and maintenance requirements. Understand the full costs involved, including potential future treatments.

Dentists in Milton CTA

Clearview Dental provides comprehensive consultations to help you understand all available options for replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges offer an effective solution for many patients with missing teeth. They provide immediate aesthetic improvement and functional restoration with fewer procedures than some alternatives. By understanding both the advantages and limitations of dental bridges, you can make the best choice for your oral health needs.

The post Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges Explained appeared first on Clearview Dental Milton.



from Clearview Dental Milton https://clearviewdentalmilton.ca/dental-bridges-explained/
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