We constantly face various challenges when it comes to our teeth. And if you have ever been to the dentist, you might just hear this. “I think a dental bridge will do the trick for you.”
So, just before going back, are you wondering what your dentist meant by a dental bridge? Well, it is okay to be curious. And that is why we are here.
In this article, we will explain what a dental bridge is all about. So, are you ready? Let’s go!
Have you ever seen someone with missing teeth? Then, a few weeks later, you can hardly notice the gap. And you were wondering if they grew a tooth within weeks.
Well, they did not. What they most likely made use of is a dental bridge.
So, a dental bridge is more like a false tooth, also regarded as a pontic that functions to bridge gaps within the teeth. Typically, the abutment tooth on each side of your gap holds the pontic. As such, when people see you, they will never know that gap was there.
Also, most pontic that bridge the gap comes from porcelain. This way, they blend in easily with your teeth. However, they can sometimes come from other materials such as gold or other metals.
Dental bridges come with various cool advantages that make them desirable. In case you are wondering why you should opt for dental bridges, here are some reasons.
There are various types of dental bridges that you can obtain if you are looking to close a gap. However, they fall under four main types. They are:
The traditional dental bridge is the most used option today. And this is thanks to the ease at which a dentist can achieve it. Even more, the effects are remarkable as it is strong and durable, all with the proper care.
Typically, it is a great option where two tooths flank the gap you want to bridge. In such cases, the dentist builds a pontic for the gap. Then, they use crowns on the flanks to hold the pontic to the gap. Precisely, the abutment teeth flanking the gap hold the pontic in place.
Also, these pontic come from porcelain or ceramic-fused-to-metals. And during this procedure, the real tooth gets shaped and filed to ensure that the dental crowns can fit in perfectly.
This option is great for your back teeth like the molars and premolars.
This bridge-type is also like the traditional dental bridge. And this is because the pontic comes from porcelain or ceramic fused to metal. However, it is different in the manner of attachment.
Precisely, while the traditional method requires two abutment teeth, the cantilever only requires one. As such, in this case, only one tooth holds down the pontic.
Also, as in the traditional case, the dentist will need to file your teeth and fit in a dental crown. However, keep in mind that there is more risk of complications in this case than with traditional dental bridges.
Once again, this bridge-type is also like the traditional bridge. Just like the traditional bridge, it makes use of two abutment teeth to hold the pontic. As such, it is only viable where two teeth flank the gap.
However, in this case, dental crowns are not the go-to option to hold down the pontic. Here, porcelain or metal bands are the tools to bind the pontic to an adjacent natural tooth.
Also, this option is generally regarded as less intrusive. And this is because there is no need to remove the enamel of your adjacent teeth. After all, crowns are in use.
However, one drawback to this is this option is not all that durable compared to traditional bridges. Also, this option depends on its adhesive. As such, it would not be best in your molars or areas with considerable biting force.
So, your best bet would be to use them for the front teeth, such as the incisors.
The final type of dental bridge is the implant-supported dental bridge. In this case, the pontic receives support from dental implants rather than a metal frame’s dental crowns.
This bridge-type is popular for the restoration of back teeth like molars and premolars. And for patients who have as much as three missing teeth in their back row.
In this case, the dentist places one implant through surgery for each missing tooth. Then, the implant helps to keep the bridge well positioned. Alternatively, where an implant is impossible for every missing tooth, the dentist may use a pontic and suspend it within two implant-backed crowns.
This implant, which takes two surgeries to do, may take quite some months before it is ready. The first surgery functions get the implant into your jawbone. And the second surgery functions to fix the bridge.
Getting a dental bridge is a great idea anytime. However, like every good thing, it comes at a cost.
So, are you wondering how much it takes to get a dental bridge? Well, this depends on a variety of factors. Precisely, this includes:
Regardless, you will need at least $662 to get a dental bridge in Mexico. It can then run to as high as $1650, depending on any of the factors above.
A dental bridge should not sound funny or confusing anymore. So far, we have explained what it is all about, why it is a great option, and the types you can opt for. One thing is clear, a dental bridge brings value for money, and you should have no reason to back out of getting one.
