Dental Bridges
Explained

1- Traditional-Fixed Bridges:

In this type, the dentist will use two crowns (one on each side) to hold and support the pontic tooth. The crowns will be cemented on the adjacent teeth, which will act as abutments for the bridge. 

• Traditional-fixed bridges are the most common type of dental bridges.
• This type requires reshaping of adjacent teeth to fit the crowns, making traditional-fixed bridges less conservative but more durable than the other types. 
• They are available in several materials (dental crowns materials), including metals, ceramic, and porcelain fused to metal, which provides additional advantages depending on the material used.

2- Cantilever bridges:

Cantilever bridges are much similar to traditional-fixed bridges, with the main difference being that the supporting crown will be on one side of the missing tooth gap (where the patient has natural teeth). Therefore, a single abutment tooth will support the pontic (artificial) tooth.

• Cantilever bridges are less durable than traditional-fixed bridges.
• They are more suitable for bridging the gap in the front teeth that are subjected to less chewing forces than molars.
• 3- Maryland bridges (Butterfly Bridges):

  Maryland bridges are resin-bonded bridges with no supportive crowns. In Maryland bridges, a wings-like metal framework will support the false tooth (pontic) and attach it to nearby teeth instead of artificial crowns. 

  • They are made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal.
  • Best suited for filling the gap of a missing front tooth.
  • The bridge would consist of a pontic tooth and metal wings, hence the name Butterfly Bridge.

   

   4- Implant-supported bridges:

  With the advances in the dental care field, dental implants -artificial dental roots surgically implanted into the jawbone- are implemented to hold and support dental bridges instead of crowns and metal wings.

  • The most durable type but requires a long treatment journey (several months).

Dental Bridge Procedure:

Restoration of missing tooth/teeth requires at least two dental clinic visits:

First Visit: 

During your first appointment, your dentist will perform three main steps in the dental bridge procedure:

1- Teeth Assessment:

• The dentist will evaluate your entire mouth and teeth, ensure any tooth decay or underlying gum disease is addressed, and get an X-ray image to assure that a dental bridge is the best restorative treatment for your case.
• Once your dentist has decided that a dental bridge is the best option for restoring your missing tooth, he will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of each type of dental bridge and help you make the best choice.

2- Teeth Preparation:

• In the case of traditional-fixed bridges and cantilever bridges, the dentist will reshape the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap) and file them down to allow the artificial crowns to be attached. 
• If you choose to have an implant-supported bridge, your dentist will work with dental implant specialists to implant the abutment body surgically into your jawbone.
• After preparing your teeth, the dentist will obtain an impression and send it to the lab to make your permanent bridge. 

3- Temporary Bridge Placement:

At the end of the first visit, the dentist will cover your shaped teeth with a temporary bridge to protect them until a permanent bridge is ready. 

Second Visit:

During your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge, clean your teeth, place the permanent bridge and fix it to your abutment teeth with dental cement. 

How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?

Dental bridges are a restorative dental treatment option that can replace one to four missing teeth, and in some cases, they can replace more teeth. 

The number of teeth that make up the bridge will affect its stability and efficiency; As a general rule, the more missing teeth that are replaced by a dental bridge, the lower the stability and efficiency of the bridge.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridge:

Dental bridges usually last between 5-7 years, but with proper oral and dental care, they may last up to 10 years. Maintaining oral hygiene and cleaning your teeth will be an essential daily task to prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.

As recommended by dental professionals, you will have to adhere to the following practices for optimal dental care: 

• Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day. 
• Floss your teeth at least once a day. Our dentist will show you the proper flossing technique using a special floss.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 
• Avoid hard and sticky food that may affect the bridge’s stability. 
• Make sure to visit our clinic on a regular basis for professional cleaning and follow-up.

Dental Bridges Contraindications:

Your dentist will advise you on the appropriate teeth restorative option to replace your missing teeth, as a dental bridge may not be a good option for your case. 

Dental bridges are contraindicated in the following situations:

• Significant aging.
• The dental arch lacks enough healthy abutment teeth to support a bridge. 
• Decreased bone density
• Taurodontism: a dental anomaly characterized by large pulp chambers in young patients.

Dental Bridges at Infinity Smiles:

Infinity Smiles group provides the latest treatment options using advanced materials and technologies to maintain and restore the health and function of your teeth. With our services, you will get high-standard dental care from professional experts. Do not hesitate to contact our dentists or schedule an appointment for a consultation.