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Replacing a missing tooth promptly is important for maintaining optimal oral health. Without replacement, adjacent teeth may shift, leading to misalignment that affects your bite. You may also have a greater risk for infections. This is because when a tooth is missing, the gap left behind can easily become a haven for trapped food and bacteria. Additionally, the absence of a tooth can cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation, affecting facial structure and oral health. Fortunately, dental bridges offer an effective solution for filling these gaps, providing both cosmetic and functional benefits.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges “bridge” the gap left by one or more missing teeth in a row. A bridge looks like a row of artificial teeth. It is permanently cemented to your remaining teeth or dental implants, depending on your needs and preferences.
These restorations are customized to match the shade of your teeth so that they blend in seamlessly and improve your smile’s appearance.
Traditional Bridge
A traditional bridge is a dental restoration that consists of a row of artificial teeth with connecting crowns on each end. The crowns attach to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth support the bridge so that it remains securely in place. This type of bridge is commonly used when there are healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge differs from a traditional bridge because it is anchored by a tooth on just one side of the gap. We use these bridges when only one healthy tooth is available for support, making it suitable for specific cases where a traditional bridge might not be feasible.
Maryland Bridge
Unlike traditional bridges that rely on crowns for support, Maryland bridges are connected to the back of the teeth with metal wings. The main advantage of a Maryland bridge is its non-invasiveness. For these bridges, we don’t need to remove enamel to make space for the support crowns. While these are often used for front teeth, they are not recommended for teeth that withstand heavy bite forces, like molars.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Unlike traditional bridges that rely on natural teeth for support, this type of bridge is anchored to mini dental implants inserted into the jawbone. Since the bridge is connected directly to the implant, it can provide stronger support and a more long-lasting tooth replacement solution.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Bridges
Thanks to the use of mini dental implants, implant-supported bridges have several benefits:
- They preserve natural teeth: Implant bridges stand independently without depending on nearby teeth. This keeps your remaining teeth strong and healthy while providing a stable structure for the artificial teeth.
- They enable more natural chewing function: These bridges closely replicate the function of natural teeth, maintaining your bite force and chewing ability.
- They are made from durable materials: Since implant bridges are anchored directly into the jawbone, they provide a stable and durable foundation. Additionally, these implants are made from titanium. This provides stronger support and better longevity than traditional bridges that rely on adjacent teeth.
- They preserve your jawbone’s health: When you lose a tooth, the jawbone does not receive the necessary stimulation to keep it healthy. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that stimulate the jawbone and maintain its strength.
Dental Bridges: Process and Procedures
Preparing for Tooth-Supported Dental Bridges
At your free consultation, Dr. Bashi will conduct a thorough dental examination to assess your oral health and determine the suitability of dental bridges. Additionally, he will explain what you can expect from your procedure and provide insights about treatment costs and financing opportunities.
If you opt for a traditional or cantilever bridge, Dr. Bashi will prepare the support teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the gums before the procedure.
Dr. Bashi will also take impressions so that your custom bridge can be fabricated at a dental lab. This process typically takes about two to three weeks. In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary bridge.
Preparing for Implant-Supported Bridges
After examining your teeth and taking a 3D scan at your consultation, Dr. Bashi will assess the state of your jawbone to determine if you are a suitable candidate for an implant bridge.
For the implant procedure, Dr. Bashi will drill a small pilot hole into the jawbone and insert the mini dental implant into the space. He’ll do this for each implant needed, ensuring that each one is secure before mounting a temporary bridge. Once the implants have healed, he will cement your custom bridge into place.
Because mini dental implants are significantly smaller than traditional implants, they can be placed in a single minimally invasive procedure. This means that patients can expect minimal discomfort, a faster recovery, and quicker results than conventional implant bridges.
Dental Bridges Can Restore Smiles
Contact us today if you need to replace missing teeth and are interested in exploring your options with dental bridges. As a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, we can help you find a more secure solution with implant-supported bridges. Dr. Bashi, a skilled mini implant specialist, is eager to help you discover the most effective way to restore your teeth.
Visit us for a free consultation to discover the many benefits of mini dental implants and implant-supported bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fixed dental bridges last 15 years or more with proper care. The key to a longer-lasting bridge is a combination of routine professional cleanings and a consistent oral hygiene regimen.
Dental bridges are tailored to fit your unique oral structure and properly distribute bite and chewing forces. Our bridges are crafted from high-quality dental materials like zirconia. Not only is zirconia incredibly natural looking, but it is one of the strongest materials available in dentistry. As a result, a zirconia bridge can last for many years.
The cost of dental bridges can vary. It depends on factors like the type of bridge chosen and the materials used. It is important to remember that any additional procedures needed (like tooth extraction) and dental insurance coverage can also affect the overall expense.
While dental insurance policies vary widely, your plan might cover a part of the costs. During your free consultation, we’ll assess your insurance benefits and assist you in making the most of your coverage. Additionally, we offer flexible financing plans to ensure that your needed dental treatments are affordable.
Getting a dental bridge is typically not painful. Before beginning the procedure, we will administer local anesthesia to numb your gums. This keeps you comfortable throughout the process. While some patients experience slight sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, pain relievers like ibuprofen can help. Overall, our goal is to make the experience as pain-free as possible for patients.