Missing teeth can affect your smile, confidence, and oral health, making everyday activities like chewing or speaking a challenge. If you plan to replace missing teeth, dental bridges are a good consideration.
Dental bridges offer a reliable solution to restore both the functionality and aesthetics of your natural teeth. At Studio Smiles NYC, our experienced dentist specializes in offering high-quality dental bridge procedures tailored to your specific needs.
If you need more information before making a decision, this article is your guide. It details everything you need to know, including what dental bridges are, their types, the procedure, benefits, costs, comparison with dental implants, maintenance, and answers to some common questions.
Let’s get right into the full details!
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It is made of false teeth, called pontics, anchored by two implant-supported crowns on adjacent natural teeth (also called abutment teeth) or dental implants.
The bridge “bridges” the gap left by missing teeth and aims to restore your ability to properly chew, speak, and smile confidently. Additionally, it prevents remaining natural teeth from shifting, which can lead to bite problems or jaw issues.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, with each made for specific situations. Usually, the type of dental bridge our dentist recommends depends on many factors, including the number of missing teeth, their location, and your oral health. Let’s look at the main types in detail.
Traditional Dental Bridge
Traditional bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It consists of one or more pontics held in place by implant supported crowns cemented onto healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Typically, the material used in making a traditional bridge is porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic for a natural look.
Traditional bridge is ideal for patients who have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. It is also suitable for most areas of the mouth, including molars. It’s important to mention that this type requires the removal of enamel from abutment teeth and is irreversible.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
A cantilever dental bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but anchored by a crown on only one side of the gap. It is used when only one adjacent tooth is available. A cantilever bridge is often used for front teeth or areas with less chewing force.
Thus, a Cantilever bridge is not recommended for back teeth due to the risk of excessive force on the single tooth abutment, which could lead to fracture or loosening, according to the American Dental Association.
Maryland Bridges
Also called resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework with metal wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, avoiding the need for dental crowns.
Maryland bridges are best for front missing teeth, where chewing forces are lower, providing a less invasive option for patients. While this type of dental bridge is less durable for heavy chewing function, it preserves more natural tooth structure.
Implant-Support Bridge
This dental bridge is anchored by dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, instead of natural teeth. It is often the most recommended for multiple missing teeth or when other teeth are not strong enough to support a bridge.
However, it requires good bone density and a longer treatment time because of the surgical placement and healing.
The Dental Bridge Procedure: How It Is Done
The process of getting a dental bridge for missing teeth generally involves multiple visits to ensure a precise fit and lasting results. At Studio Smiles NYC, our skilled dentist uses advanced techniques to make the process comfortable and efficient. Let’s look at what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
For Traditional Bridge, Cantilever Bridge, or Maryland Bridges
Initial Consultation:
During your first visit to our dentist, they will assess your oral health, take X-rays of you real teeth, and discuss the best bridge type for your missing teeth.
Preparation:
Our dentist will reshape the anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) by removing enamel to accommodate crowns. This step is irreversible because enamel does not regrow. Therefore, choosing an experienced dentist is very important.
Impressions:
Next, our dentist will take a mold or digital scan of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory to create a custom traditional bridge for you. This will be matched to your natural tooth color so it can blend in naturally.
Temporary Bridge:
To protect the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is being made, our dentist will place a temporary bridge or an artificial tooth. Typically, this can take between 2 and 4 weeks.
Final Placement:
During your next scheduled visit, our dentist will remove the temporary bridge, fit, adjust, and use dental cement to hold the permanent bridge in place. Our oral surgeon uses CAD/CAM technology for same-day bridges.
For Implant-Supported Bridges
· Implant Placement: Our dentist will surgically place the implant supported bridges into your jawbone under anesthesia. After oral surgery, it takes approximately 3 to 6 months for osseointegration, during which the implants fuse with the surrounding bone.
· Abutment Teeth Attachment: Following this, our dentist will attach small connector posts to the implants, and the dental impressions of your teeth will be taken.
· Bridge Placement: At your next scheduled visit to the clinic, our dentist will secure the custom bridge to the implants to complete the restoration.
What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages, which make them a popular choice for tooth replacement. Some of these benefits include:
- Restored Teeth Functionality: A dental bridge allows you to chew and speak properly, improving everyday comfort.
- Aesthetic Improvement: They also restore your smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
- Supports Facial Structure: A dental bridge prevents facial sagging by filling the gap created by diseased teeth and maintaining your natural appearance.
- Prevent Tooth Shifting: They also keep existing teeth in place, thereby preventing bite misalignment or jaw issues.
- Highly Durable: With good oral hygiene, your dental bridge can last between 5 and 15 years or even more.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
The dental bridge cost varies based on the type, materials, and location. Additionally, other procedures like extractions, placement of dental crowns, or gum treatments may increase the total cost of the treatment. You can trust Studio Smiles NYC for its transparent pricing and cost-effective treatments.
Also, we work with patients to explore different payment options to make it more convenient for them. By the way, dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, depending on your plan.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implants
Dental bridge vs. dental implants is a common debate that only a dentist can provide the best answer. Really, choosing between a dental bridge and a dental implant depends on many factors, including your oral health, budget, and preferences. Let’s look at a detailed comparison of the two.
What they are: Dental bridges are false teeth anchored in place by adjacent teeth or implants, while dental implants are artificial tooth roots with crowns.
Procedure: A dental bridge, like Maryland dental bridge, is non-surgical and requires between 2 and 3 visits to the dentist’s office, while a dental implant involves surgery and requires multiple visits to the clinic. It can also take several months to complete.
Durability: A dental bridge can last between 5 and 15 years with adequate oral care, while a dental implant can last up to 20 years or more with proper care.
Effects of Teeth: A dental bridge, like Maryland dental bridge, requires enamel removal from adjacent teeth, while a dental implant does not have any effect on your teeth.
Aesthetics and Function: While dental bridges, like traditional dental bridges, have a natural look and good function, the latter have a more natural feel and are highly stable.
Maintenance: Dental bridges, like resin-bonded bridges, require special flossing and have a risk of tooth decay, while dental implants are easier to clean, but also have the risk of peri-implantitis.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a faster procedure and less invasive than implants for teeth restoration. Additionally, it is more affordable and often partially covered by insurance. It is also suitable for patients with bone loss or other health conditions that prevent surgery.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
These are longer-lasting and more stable compared to a dental bridge. Also, they preserve adjacent teeth and jawbone health, and they feel and function like a natural tooth.
At Studio Smiles NYC, our experienced team can guide you through this decision, ensuring the best solution for your teeth is recommended. You can talk to us today to get started.
How to Maintain and Care for Your Dental Bridge
Proper care is essential to maximize the lifespan of a dental bridge and maintain your remaining teeth. The following are detailed tips on how to maintain and care for it:
- Daily Brushing: Use a soft-bristle toothpaste and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste twice daily to clean the bridge and surrounding teeth.
- Flossing: Use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or water flossers to clean under the bridge to prevent plaque buildup.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Stay away from sticky or hard foods like caramel, ice, or nuts that could damage the bridge and your teeth.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule checkups and teeth cleanings every six months to monitor the bridge and address any issues early.
- Monitor for Issues: Regularly check your dental bridge and teeth for any oral health issues and contact your dentist if the bridge feels loose, cracked, or causes discomfort.
- Use Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can reduce plaque on teeth and protect your gums.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, missing or damaged teeth, which can compromise the bridge.
By following the above tips, you can extend the lifespan of your dental bridge and keep your teeth healthy.
How Many Teeth Can a Bridge Replace?
Dental bridges can replace up to four missing teeth, depending on the type and the strength of the abutment teeth or implants. Traditional bridge and Cantilever bridge typically replace one or two teeth, while implant-supported bridges can handle three or more.
It’s worth mentioning that the number of teeth replaced affects the cost and complexity of the procedure.
Dental Insurance and Bridges
Dental insurance often covers a part of the cost of a dental bridge, usually 50% or more, depending on the plan. However, coverage may vary for implant-supported bridges due to their higher cost.
At Studio Smiles NYC, we work with various insurance providers to help you maximize your benefits and offer flexible payment options for out-of-pocket expenses.
Conclusion
Dental bridges are a versatile and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering functional and aesthetic benefits. So, whether you choose a traditional, cantilever bridge, implant-supported dental bridge, or Maryland bridges, understanding the procedure, costs, and maintenance can help you make an informed decision.
At Studio Smiles NYC, our experienced team uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver natural-looking, durable dental bridges tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation with us today to explore how we can restore your confident smile.
