What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthesis that works as a bridge covering the space left when one or more teeth are missing. Most of the time, this solution is used when more than one tooth is missing. A dental bridge consists of a structure based on attached crowns that look similar to natural teeth.
A dental bridge can smile at your back if you have lost some teeth in an accident or have had them removed due to tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Dental bridges have a wide variety of materials and finishes. Those made of metal are the cheapest, but they have the disadvantage of not resembling a natural tooth at all. In addition, they are practically obsolete.
There are also porcelain and ceramic ones, which, when done right, look like a natural tooth. However, they are more expensive due to the materials used and the laboratory work they require.
The most balanced solution between price and appearance is a ceramic or porcelain dental bridge bonded to a metal base. However, the best dental bridge will depend on our budget and the location of the tooth or teeth that we must cover.
Types of dental bridges
No matter what type of dental bridge it is, they all fulfill the function of filling the gaps that arise as a result of tooth loss or extraction. But they also play an essential role in the facial structure since the absence of teeth can cause sagging in the face because the mouth can sink.
In addition to restoring the aesthetic part, the bridge helps to keep the cheeks and jaw firm and prevents the gums from having to withstand additional pressure.
Next, we will see that there are different materials and procedures for making dental bridges, which result in more or less reliable and long-lasting solutions.
A traditional fixed dental bridge
This type of dental bridge is the most conventional, as it is the safest and most long-term way to replace adjacent teeth.
The prosthesis used for a traditional fixed dental bridge consists of fixing a crown to the pillars or natural teeth located on each side of the space to be rehabilitated and the artificial teeth, called pontics, in the middle. Crowns are hollow, and by attaching to neighboring teeth, they hold the bridge firmly in place.
The anchor teeth must be molded back to their original size for crowns to fit correctly. These two teeth must be strong enough to support the bridge and withstand the bite’s pressure. Otherwise, reinforcing elements can be inserted into the abutment teeth.
After preparing the anchor teeth, the next step is to take a dental impression. It is sent to a laboratory where the bridge is manufactured to fit our measurements perfectly. In the meantime, the dentist can provide us with a temporary dental bridge to protect the exposed teeth.
Once the dental bridge is ready, the dentist will put it in place and ask us how we feel. If we are satisfied and comfortable, he will use solid dental cement to fix it. On some occasions, we are required to return to see our dentist a few more times.
The main drawback of a fixed dental bridge has to sacrifice two healthy teeth. If we decide to replace the bridge with implants after a while, we will need crowns on neighboring teeth since the removal of enamel is permanent.
We will also have to take special care when brushing or flossing around the bridge. A dental irrigator can make the cleaning process faster, easier, and more effective.
Leaving these two aspects aside, a fixed dental bridge is a long-lasting solution. If we also opt for a ceramic or porcelain bridge, no one would notice that they are not natural teeth.
Maryland dental bridge
A bridge made of metal alloys bonded with resin to abutment teeth is a Maryland dental bridge. Instead of adjacent crowning teeth, it has metal or porcelain “wings” on each side that adhere to the inner edge of neighboring teeth in the space to be rehabilitated. Currently, Maryland bridges are made with fiberglass and metal-free resin.
They are generally indicated to replace teeth that exert little bite pressure and have an apparent aesthetic impact, such as the front teeth.
If we are missing teeth in the front or have been instructed to remove them, this dental prosthesis improves the appearance of the smile and bite.
The adjacent teeth must remain strong and healthy, but one caveat to keep in mind is that abutment teeth are often more prone to cavities. Although it does not have to if it is well adapted, there is good hygiene.
The main disadvantage is that they are not as strong as a traditional fixed bridge. Over time the adhesive that holds it in place can weaken, causing the bridge to break or loosen, requiring regular visits to the dentist to adjust it.
Despite this, the Maryland dental bridge is a practical and less expensive alternative to a traditional fixed dental bridge or implant. The most common materials are porcelain, ceramic, and fiberglass, but today the zirconium bridge is chosen because it allows for a more sophisticated design.
A dental bridge in extension
The difference of this type of prosthesis is that it is attached only to a natural tooth. It is typically used in areas of the mouth where there is only one tooth to which it can be attached or only one good tooth that can be used for anchorage. The cantilever dental bridge has the advantage of being cheaper than conventional fixed bridges.
Dental bridge or implant?
Dental bridges—fixed or removable—and implants are two reasonable solutions to replace missing teeth. Each offers advantages and disadvantages over the other options, summarized below. However, the best way to decide which one is best for you is to consult your dentist.
Until now, we have focused on fixed dental bridges. But there is also what is considered removable dental appliances. Let’s see what they are and what they are about.
