Dental bridges or Fixed Bridges are a solution for replacing missing teeth. They bring back your ability to chew, enhance how you look, and improve your oral health. A dental bridge consists of crowns that go over your natural teeth on both sides of the space and artificial teeth that fill in the gap in your smile.
Understanding Dental Bridges
Replacing missing teeth is what dental bridges do. They can fill in the space of a single tooth or a whole missing row, provided the remaining teeth can hold the dental bridge
Do you need Dental Bridge to Smile confidently ?
We can help you by that just message us at:
You can schedule an appointment with us. Just give us a call beforehand so our dentist or periodontist can help you out.
Fixed Bridges: Customized Dental Appliances
Just like a bridge connecting two sides, this dental appliance works to fill the gaps in your smile. Skilled dentists can craft personalized bridges that perfectly match the color of your natural teeth. Let’s break it down:
Abutments
are the supportive structures for your dental bridge. Usually, they are your natural teeth, but sometimes tiny connector posts are used in implant-supported bridges
Pontics
are the artificial teeth that fill the space left by the missing ones
The number of abutments and pontics in your fixed bridge depends on your specific situation and the type of bridge you receive.
Exploring Different Dental Bridges: Finding the Right Fit for You
- Traditional Bridges: Common and Reliable
The traditional dental bridge is the most frequently used type. It features dental crowns on both ends, with artificial teeth (pontics) in between. Your dentist bonds the crowns to your healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap, and the pontics fill the space. This bridge is suitable when healthy teeth are on both sides of the gap.
- Cantilever Bridges: Hanging on One Side
Like the traditional bridge, a cantilever bridge features a crown on only one end. In this case, the artificial tooth (pontic) extends across the gap, appearing to hang over the supporting abutment tooth. Dentists choose cantilever bridges when natural teeth are only on one side of the space or gap. However, their design makes them less strong than traditional bridges.
- Maryland Bridges: Metal Wings for Support
A Maryland bridge, also known as Maryland bridge, alternatively termed a resin-bonded bridge, employs metal wings instead of crowns to secure the bridge. A resin-bonded bridge utilizes metal wings to secure the bridge rather than relying on crowns. The dentist bonds these wings to the backs of neighboring teeth, holding the bridge in place. While dentists frequently choose Maryland bridges for front tooth replacements, these bridges cannot withstand the intense chewing forces that affect back teeth
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Resting on Dental Implants
Just as a traditional bridge relies on natural teeth, an implant-supported bridge actively rests on dental implants instead of relying on natural teeth for support. Dental implants are tiny posts that serve as replacements for missing tooth roots. Before attaching the bridge to the implants, the implants need time to integrate (fuse) with the jawbone fully. This process typically takes three to six months. Implant-supported bridges are an option when three or more missing teeth are in a row.
Choosing the appropriate bridge for your needs requires careful consideration of several factors. These include your age, the number of missing teeth, the dimensions of the gap, the condition of neighboring teeth, the presence of natural teeth on both sides, and your overall dental health. Your personal preferences also play a role in the decision-making process.
Describing the Dental Bridges Procedure: Step-by-Step Process
Traditional and Cantilever Bridge Placement
For traditional or cantilever bridges, your dentist will:
• Administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
• Reshape your abutment teeth, the natural teeth supporting the bridge, by gently removing some enamel
• Once the dentist reshapes your abutment teeth by removing some enamel, this change will be permanent, and you won’t be able to reverse it.
• Take accurate dental impressions.
• Send the precise dental impressions to a dental laboratory, where a competent technician will create your final bridge.
• While the dental laboratory creates your final bridge, the dentist will install a temporary bridge.
This process typically takes about one to two weeks. During a subsequent office visit, your dentist will: • Remove the temporary bridge. • Assess the fit of your new final bridge. • Bond (cement) the new bridge securely in place. Some dentists employ CAD/CAM technology to craft custom bridges during the same appointment. Please let us know if this is an option for you.
• Administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
• Reshape your abutment teeth, the natural teeth supporting the bridge, by gently removing some enamel
• Once the dentist reshapes your abutment teeth by removing some enamel, this change will be permanent, and you won’t be able to reverse it.
• Take accurate dental impressions.
• Send the precise dental impressions to a dental laboratory, where a competent technician will create your final bridge.
• While the dental laboratory creates your final bridge, the dentist will install a temporary bridge.
This process typically takes about one to two weeks. During a subsequent office visit, your dentist will: • Remove the temporary bridge. • Assess the fit of your new final bridge. • Bond (cement) the new bridge securely in place. Some dentists employ CAD/CAM technology to craft custom bridges during the same appointment. Please let us know if this is an option for you.
Maryland Bridge Placement
When it comes to Maryland bridges, your dentist will:
• Prepare your teeth to accommodate the metal wings.
• Take dental impressions, which the dental clinic will send to a laboratory to fabricate your final bridge. Once your final bridge is ready, your dentist will schedule another office visit, during which they will:
• Evaluate the fit of the new Maryland bridge.
• Apply dental etch to the back surfaces of your neighboring teeth (abutments) to enable bonding with dental resin cement.
• Secure the wings of the Maryland bridge to the backs of your abutment teeth using dental resin cement (a strong tooth-to-bridge-safe adhesive).
• Prepare your teeth to accommodate the metal wings.
• Take dental impressions, which the dental clinic will send to a laboratory to fabricate your final bridge. Once your final bridge is ready, your dentist will schedule another office visit, during which they will:
• Evaluate the fit of the new Maryland bridge.
• Apply dental etch to the back surfaces of your neighboring teeth (abutments) to enable bonding with dental resin cement.
• Secure the wings of the Maryland bridge to the backs of your abutment teeth using dental resin cement (a strong tooth-to-bridge-safe adhesive).
Implant-Supported Bridge Placement
The placement of an implant-supported bridge involves multiple office visits, including a surgery appointment. Here’s what to expect: During the initial meeting, a dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon will:
• Administer anesthesia to numb your mouth and ensure your comfort.
• Surgically place dental implants into your jawbone.
• After surgically placing dental implants into your jawbone, your implants require time to heal and fuse (a process called osseointegration) with your jawbone. This process typically ranges from three to six months, or potentially longer, depending on your circumstances.
Once your dental implants have fully integrated, your dentist will:
• Attach impression copings, small connector posts that slightly extend beyond your gum line, to your dental implants and take dental impressions.
• Send the impressions, with the copings in place, to a dental lab.
• Temporarily remove the abutments while you await the creation of your new implant-supported bridge by the lab. When your final bridge is ready, your dentist will:
• Place the implant abutments and attach the bridge to your dental implants, ensuring a proper fit.
• Secure the bridge using dental cement or small screws (which should not cause discomfort). Remember that implant-supported bridges require a longer timeline than other bridge types due to the integration period of the dental implants with your jawbone.
• Administer anesthesia to numb your mouth and ensure your comfort.
• Surgically place dental implants into your jawbone.
• After surgically placing dental implants into your jawbone, your implants require time to heal and fuse (a process called osseointegration) with your jawbone. This process typically ranges from three to six months, or potentially longer, depending on your circumstances.
Once your dental implants have fully integrated, your dentist will:
• Attach impression copings, small connector posts that slightly extend beyond your gum line, to your dental implants and take dental impressions.
• Send the impressions, with the copings in place, to a dental lab.
• Temporarily remove the abutments while you await the creation of your new implant-supported bridge by the lab. When your final bridge is ready, your dentist will:
• Place the implant abutments and attach the bridge to your dental implants, ensuring a proper fit.
• Secure the bridge using dental cement or small screws (which should not cause discomfort). Remember that implant-supported bridges require a longer timeline than other bridge types due to the integration period of the dental implants with your jawbone.
Describing the Dental Bridges Procedure: Step-by-Step Process
Benefits of dental bridges:
• Dental bridges provide a natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
• With dental bridges, you won’t have to worry about the inconvenience of them slipping out. Dental bridges differ from removable dentures because dentists securely bond them to their abutments, ensuring a stable and fixed placement.
• They re-establish the ability to chew and speak properly, improving eating and communication.
• Dental bridges prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
• They help restore facial structure and enhance smile aesthetics.
• With dental bridges, you won’t have to worry about the inconvenience of them slipping out. Dental bridges differ from removable dentures because dentists securely bond them to their abutments, ensuring a stable and fixed placement.
• They re-establish the ability to chew and speak properly, improving eating and communication.
• Dental bridges prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
• They help restore facial structure and enhance smile aesthetics.
Drawbacks of dental bridges:
• If decay or trauma damages your abutment teeth, it can weaken the bridge. Insufficient strength in the abutment teeth may lead to their breaking.
• Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene can result in gum inflammation and cavities around the bridge.
• Dental bridges require the preparation and potential alteration of healthy adjacent teeth.
• They may require periodic adjustments and replacements over time.
• In some cases, the cost of dental bridges can be a consideration.
• Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene can result in gum inflammation and cavities around the bridge.
• Dental bridges require the preparation and potential alteration of healthy adjacent teeth.
• They may require periodic adjustments and replacements over time.
• In some cases, the cost of dental bridges can be a consideration.
Recovery and Healing Time after a Dental Bridge Procedure
The recovery duration can vary for each individual and depends on multiple factors that influence it. Typically, it takes one to two weeks for your teeth and gums to heal following the procedure. However, your new dental bridge may require more time to feel natural and comfortable.
Longevity of Dental Bridges
On average, fixed dental bridges can last 5 to 15 years. Some bridges can endure beyond this timeframe with proper care and maintenance. Dentists often refer to them as “permanent bridges,” meaning only a dentist can remove them. Nevertheless, it is important to note that fixed bridges do not last forever. Eventually, you must replace them once signs of wear or damage become evident.
Quality Matters: Choose an Expert Dentist for a Lasting Dental Bridge
When choosing a fixed bridge, thinking beyond just buying something is important. Instead, consider the expertise of a skilled dentist who can create a smile that will last. Don’t be tempted by the price or fancy ads; focus on finding a dentist with the knowledge, experience, and precision needed for the job. They will carefully design a bridge that fits perfectly with your natural teeth, helps you eat and speak comfortably, and makes your smile look great. By picking a dentist who combines art and skill, you’re making a smart choice for a beautiful and healthy smile that will bring you happiness and confidence for a long time.
Maintaining Your Dental Bridge: Tips for Care
Taking care of your fixed bridge is similar to looking after your natural teeth. Here are some essential practices to keep your bridge in excellent condition:
1. Ensure proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth daily to eliminate plaque and food debris.
2. Use a gentle fluoride toothpaste that won’t harm your bridge.
3. Clean the area beneath your bridge every day using special floss threaders or interproximal brushes designed for reaching between teeth.
4. Steer clear of overly hard or chewy foods that can potentially damage your bridge.
5. Avoid habits like chewing on ice, pens, pencils, or your fingernails that could strain your bridge unnecessarily.
6. Regularly visit your general dentist for checkups and cleanings to maintain your bridge and oral health.
By following these simple steps, you can help prolong the lifespan of your dental bridge and keep your smile shining bright.
1. Ensure proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth daily to eliminate plaque and food debris.
2. Use a gentle fluoride toothpaste that won’t harm your bridge.
3. Clean the area beneath your bridge every day using special floss threaders or interproximal brushes designed for reaching between teeth.
4. Steer clear of overly hard or chewy foods that can potentially damage your bridge.
5. Avoid habits like chewing on ice, pens, pencils, or your fingernails that could strain your bridge unnecessarily.
6. Regularly visit your general dentist for checkups and cleanings to maintain your bridge and oral health.
By following these simple steps, you can help prolong the lifespan of your dental bridge and keep your smile shining bright.
When to Seek Dental Assistance for Fixed Bridge Problems
It’s important to be aware of when to contact your dentist regarding issues with your fixed bridge. Schedule an appointment if you encounter any of the following concerns:
1. Your bridge feels loose or shows visible cracks.
2. You experience pain or discomfort while chewing.
3. Teeth sensitivity or soreness, along with bleeding gums, becomes noticeable.
4. Your bridge becomes dislodged or falls out.
5. An unusual odor or taste develops around the bridge area.
By promptly reaching out to your dentist when encountering these problems, you can receive the necessary care and guidance to maintain the functionality and well-being of your fixed bridge.
1. Your bridge feels loose or shows visible cracks.
2. You experience pain or discomfort while chewing.
3. Teeth sensitivity or soreness, along with bleeding gums, becomes noticeable.
4. Your bridge becomes dislodged or falls out.
5. An unusual odor or taste develops around the bridge area.
By promptly reaching out to your dentist when encountering these problems, you can receive the necessary care and guidance to maintain the functionality and well-being of your fixed bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Bridges
It’s important to replace missing teeth promptly to prevent complications. However, if tooth extraction is necessary, a waiting period of a few months may be required for proper healing before getting a dental bridge.
To ensure your comfort, your dentist will numb your gums with local anesthesia during the dental bridge procedure. This means that getting a dental bridge should not cause any pain. The dentist takes the necessary steps to make the experience as comfortable as possible for you.
Dental bridges can typically replace one to three consecutive teeth. For longer bridges, healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap provide additional support.
Adjusting may take some time, but a dental bridge should eventually feel similar to your natural teeth. Think of it like wearing a new ring – it’s noticeable at first but becomes familiar over time.
Consulting with your dentist will help determine the most suitable solution for replacing missing teeth. While dental bridges are generally recommended for individuals 17 or 18 years and older, exceptions may apply, especially in cases where a child has lost a permanent tooth. It’s important to seek professional guidance to determine the appropriate treatment option based on your unique circumstances and oral health needs.
Consulting with your dentist is crucial to determine the best teeth replacement option. While dental implants are known for their longevity and ability to preserve bone health, it’s essential to consider your unique oral health needs and personal preferences. Your dentist will assess your situation and guide you toward the ideal choice that will provide optimal results.
If a bridge is loose, it can be easily removed and recemented by your dentist. However, if removal is necessary for other dental procedures, there is a risk of the bridge breaking, requiring a new one.
Smile More Dental Clinic – Manila specializes in creating durable fixed bridges with a focus on your smile and oral health. Our dedicated team of skilled professionals understands the importance of meeting your needs, preferences, and budget. Trust us to deliver exceptional results that enhance your smile and overall well-being.