What Is Dental Bridge: Types, Advantages And Disadvantages

In case of a lack of dental elements in the mouth, the orthodontist may suggest the installation of a dental bridge. What is a dental bridge? This is an alternative that allows the user to regain the look and function that he lost with his teeth. What does it consist of? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the dental bridge?

There are many questions about dental bridges. In this article, we will explain what dental bridges are and what are the types and main benefits. Read more!

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a type of fixed prosthesis used to replace one or more missing dental elements. It covers the area where the teeth are missing with artificial crowns that adhere to the remaining healthy teeth.

The dental bridge is attached to the neighboring dental pieces. They need to be adapted. The teeth must be polished so that the structure can be properly cemented. Therefore, the patient cannot remove the prosthesis because it is fixed.

The patient is able to regain the functions he lost with one or more teeth. These include aesthetics, obstruction, ability to chew, face shape, speech and pronunciation. In general, dental bridges can be made of the following materials:

• Resins
• Porcelain
• Ceromers (optimized ceramic resin)

How are dental bridges made?

• Carving the remaining teeth: Under anesthesia, the orthodontist will polish the neighboring dental pieces. These teeth are then called pillars because they support the bridge.
• Creating the mold: The orthodontist will create mouth molds to send to the dental laboratory, where other specialists will make the bridge.
• Application of temporary resin: Depending on the chosen model, temporary crowns will be used during the time necessary to create the bridge. The aesthetics and health of the used elements are preserved.
• Metal testing: The metal structure of the deck is tested; the orthodontist tests if it is properly adjusted or needs to be corrected.
• Color testing: The orthodontist takes the color of the patient’s teeth and sends it back to the lab.
• Bridge testing: The orthodontist tests the entire bridge and makes the appropriate adjustments. Then send the deck one last time to the lab to be finished.
• Gluing the bridge: The orthodontist covers the polished poles with a special cement and then fixes the bridge in the mouth.
• Subsequent Checks: The orthodontist will set up further medical checks to check that everything is fine.

What types of dental bridges are there?

The dental bridge in the bracket is similar to the traditional one, but has only one support pillar. The procedure requires only a natural tooth that adjoins the space generated by the missing dental elements.

The orthodontist will need to turn the chosen tooth into a pillar. Then, it will cement the crown together with the pillar, which will allow the artificial tooth / teeth to occupy the empty space. With a single point of support, the resistance is lower.

Sometimes, the teeth may break or come off completely due to the lever that is formed when the individual chews.

These bridges use two natural dental elements on each side of the empty space. The difference is that they do not use crowns over the pillars, but side wings made of metal or porcelain, which adhere to the posterior surface of the neighboring teeth.

To do this, it is essential to have a natural element on both sides of the space created by the missing dental pieces. The orthodontist will not have to grind his teeth as much, this being the most conservative option.

This type of bridge is intended for areas that are not subjected to a high occlusal load, because they cannot withstand the impact.

As the name suggests, these bridges use implants instead of crowns. The patient must undergo surgery. There will be two separate operations: one for fixing the implants and another for fixing the bridge. This process can take several months.

The number and location of implants will vary depending on the case. For example, the dentist may place the implant in the center of the space or use one for each missing item.

This type of dental bridge is the most stable and can best withstand pressure. It is also the most comfortable and the only one that prevents bone resorption in the empty space.

The advantages of dental bridges

Installing a dental bridge has aesthetic benefits as well as health benefits. Once the process is complete, the patient can return to chewing normally. Moreover, its pronunciation will improve, as it will no longer have spaces that can cause involuntary sounds.

Aesthetically, it can help increase self-confidence and self-esteem; prevents teasing and improves physical appearance by maintaining the shape of the face. By filling the empty space, the other teeth are less likely to move and change position.

The cost of dental bridges is one of the most important advantages. They are durable and, compared to implants, much more economical.

Disadvantages of dental bridges

• Wearing dental braces: The main disadvantage of this type of prosthesis is that it involves polishing healthy teeth. Wearing these teeth increases the risk of further damage. In some cases, the patient must have a root canal. In addition, given the change in shape, these parts must always be covered by a crown.
• Aesthetics: Metal bridges can lead to tooth staining.
• Danger of caries: Caries may appear in the space between the pillar and the crown.
• Danger of movement: The poles can move, especially if they can withstand a heavy load while chewing. Specialists do not recommend the use of bridges in patients who have harmful habits such as bruxism (gnashing of teeth) or biting of nails.
• Bone reabsorption: Because the bones in which there are no dental elements are not stimulated, the body reabsorbs them.
• Durability: Dental bridges last for several years. When compared to implants, they are not as efficient.
• Risk of gingivitis: Bacteria can accumulate in the space between the bridge and the gums, which causes inflammation.

Talk to your orthodontist for more information about what a dental bridge is

Dental bridges can be a good option to replace missing teeth. Before choosing this method, it is important to consult an orthodontist. The orthodontist will help you solve your doubts about materials, types, models and procedures. It will also assess possible inconveniences. Keep that in mind!