Dental Bridges

What is a dental bridge?

If you have missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge can help restore your smile. Dental bridges replace missing teeth with prosthetic teeth and literally “bridge” the gap where one or more teeth used to be. In other words, it is a restoration of a missing tooth.

Imagine missing teeth when you smile, not very desirable, right? Remember that there are people who forget to laugh because of such trouble! To avoid this situation, you should take good care of your teeth; or if you have missing teeth, there are several treatment methods depending on your mouth structure and budget. One of them is dental bridges, which may be more suitable for your budget.

Bridges can be made from gold, alloys, composite, porcelain, or a combination of these materials, and they are attached to surrounding teeth for support. In DentOdream, you can have Metal Porcelain or Zirconia Porcelain.

For making a dental bridge, the teeth on every two sides of the missing tooth act as a bridge for holding the false tooth in place. The treatment finalizes with the crown filling the gap and the other crowns attached to the side teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

There have been various dental bridges from the past to the present. Let’s take a look at brief information about them. The four most well-known and used of them are as follows:

1. Traditional fixed bridges are the most prevalent form of bridge is a standard fixed bridge. On either side of the pontic, there is a crown.
2. Maryland dental bridges or resin-bonded bridges are frequently used for restoring the front teeth. With these dental bridge options, dentists use porcelain or metal structures with “wings” attached to the back of your teeth on both sides of the gap in place of crowns.
3. Implant-supported bridges: Traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges are fairly similar. Still, implant-supported bridges are attached to tiny titanium screws/posts implanted into the jaw, rather than being supported by dental crowns placed over nearby teeth. The size of the bridge determines how many screws/posts a patient needs.
4. Cantilever bridges: Some dentists still prefer using cantilever bridges in service. If only there is a natural tooth on one side of the gap, the pontic(s) fastens by a single crown on that tooth.

You can discuss the best choice with your dentist before making a choice.

Why do we have to replace missing teeth with a dental bridge?

The number one factor may be an aesthetic concern. Another factor will be the increase in the extra pressure and load on the teeth remaining next to the missing tooth. This gap will also change the form of your bite because the teeth next to the gap will tend to move towards it, and this moving will negatively affect your biting style. This problem can then precipitate food getting stuck in-between adjoining teeth and the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease.

Who needs dental bridges?

If you have lost a tooth for any reason or had to have your tooth extracted, a dental bridge may be a solution for you. The most important causes of missing teeth can be caries, gum disease or an accident. Ultimately, to get a dental bridge, your teeth next to the gap must be strong and healthy. You need to fix your biting issues, chewing troubles, aesthetic concerns, and pain due to extra pressure on the teeth.

What are the benefits of getting a dental bridge?

• It keeps your existing teeth properly and restricts their unwanted movements.
• It adjusts your bite position and evenly distributes pressure to other teeth.
• It restores your ability to chew accordingly.
• It helps restore your pronunciation and speech.
• And doubtless, it boots your confidence in your smile and adds aesthetics.
  It does not require surgery like a dental implant.
• Along with the suitable veneer, you can have a natural look like your other teeth.

What are the drawbacks of dental bridges?

There are several downsides and risks associated with dental bridges that you should be cautious about, such as:

• Dental crowns potentially alter or affect the shape of your teeth and your biting.
• The bridge may become vulnerable to future deterioration of the abutment teeth.
• If a bridge or crown does not fit properly, bacteria and plaque might stick and enter underneath, leading to tooth decay.
• Every operation and touch may damage the abutment teeth; therefore, dental implants may be required instead of weakened abutment teeth.
• If the abutment teeth were not sufficiently sturdy to support the bridge, they could fall out.

Some Alternatives for Dental Bridges

If you have missing teeth, there are considerable options available in dentistry today. To ensure that you choose the best treatment for you, you can consult with an experienced and skilled dentist. They can help you explore the different alternatives and find the one that will give you the healthiest, most natural-looking results. With the appropriate treatment, you can enjoy a beautiful, functional smile for years to come.

The following are some alternatives to bridges:

•  Dentures, aka false teeth, can be full or partial, and they are removable plastic or metal frameworks on which false teeth are affixed.
• Dental implants– A titanium implant that gets inserted directly into your jawbone, and gets covered with a porcelain tooth (a crown).

You can decide on one of the two options that are suitable for you, depending on your budget, oral health and expectations.

Decide which course of action is most effective for you with the guidance of your dentist.

What are the prices of dental bridges?

Although more costly than dentures, dental bridges are often more satisfying. Bridges are also an alternative treatment to get better oral health because they can help maintain the quality of your natural teeth by filling in gaps in your smile.

Whatever you need as in dental bridges, you will find options and have them done at Dental Dream Turkey. Depending on the location of the bridge and the materials used, different costs apply. Before starting your treatment, our Dentodream team will go through your options with you and provide a precise cost estimate. For more details, please visit the pricing page.

How long do dental bridges last?

Dental bridges can last 5 to 15 years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.

The Aftercare of a dental bridge

How should you take care of your dental bridges after being fitted? It is not a big deal, indeed. It is the same thing you do for your natural teeth routinely: brushing and flossing regularly.

Bridges are permanently fixed; therefore, you do not need to remove them for cleaning. To keep your teeth healthy, you must clean the gap under a bridge with special dental floss or an interdental brush. Your dentist will show you how to floss or brush under your bridge. As long as you look after your bridges, they can last for many years.

For the best outcome, we work with the best technicians and laboratories in the city. And we have the best-qualified dentists at Dentodream. After dental bridges, you will get a great and dreamy smile within a few days.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

Bridges and implants are two universal methods for replacing lost teeth. There are a few significant distinctions between the two treatment options.

The Procedure Differences: If an individual is experiencing the absence of a tooth, several options are available. One option is a dental bridge, which facilitates the bridging of the gap where the tooth was once located. The process entails replacing the missing tooth with a fabricated tooth that is attached to the individual’s natural teeth on each side of the gap. Another alternative is an implant, where a titanium screw is implanted into the jawbone and then topped with a replacement tooth. This method can also be utilized to replace multiple missing teeth in a sequence by implementing an implant-supported bridge.

The Optimal Level of Appearance and Result: Both options solve your dental problems. Dental implants and dental bridges provide the optimum results in terms of both health and appearance by filling the gaps left by tooth extraction.

While a dental implant is made by placing a crown on a titanium screw inserted in the jawbone, a dental bridge has a less invasive procedure and is done in a shorter time. Both options are dental treatments that have a natural appearance, are white and have beautiful shapes.

Natural Teeth: If you wish to avoid harming your natural teeth, implants could be a better choice for you. When you get a bridge, your dentist may have to file down your real teeth on both sides. Dental implants are as strong as your natural teeth since they are fixed into your jaw. On the other hand, dental bridges transfer pressure to the neighbouring teeth, which are often reduced or filed to support the crowns.

Longevity: Ensuring proper care for your dental bridge is crucial for its longevity. While implants can withstand the test of time, dental bridges may weaken over time due to pressure and the fact that supporting teeth are filed away. However, by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can proactively prolong the life of your dental bridge, thereby delaying the need for restoration treatment.

Have a Healthy Jawbone: The loss of a tooth can result in bone loss in the jaw, which can affect the neighbouring teeth. While a dental bridge can prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, it does not address the issue of bone loss over time, as it lacks a screw placed into the jaw to fill the hole of the missing tooth. Bone loss is inevitable. An implant, however, acts like a real tooth with a root and can fortify the jaw as one is ageing, potentially preventing bone loss that may impact facial structure.

The Price of…: A dental bridge may be a more cost-effective solution compared to a dental implant. While a bridge typically involves a straightforward procedure and less visiting time to the dentist, a dental implant often requires a lengthier process and a healing time before the final dental crown can be fitted. Consequently, the latter may necessitate additional appointments with the dentist, leading to higher overall costs. Moreover, implants frequently utilize high-quality materials such as titanium, ceramic, or porcelain, resulting in a more natural-looking finish. Of course, all of this means extra costs.

Fitness for bridge or implant: For individuals who smoke, have undergone radiation therapy in the jaw area, or have uncontrolled diabetes or other serious medical conditions, dental implants may not be a suitable option. Before placing a dental bridge or implant, your dentist will evaluate any gum disease and provide appropriate treatment It is crucial to discuss your specific circumstances with your dentist, as they will conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment and present all available treatment options. A consultation with your dentist can allow you to make informed decisions regarding your oral health and overall well-being.

For further information, please contact us about all the options for you.