Dental Bridges Overview

Dental bridges or fixed partial dentures are custom made false teeth that fill in the gaps of your teeth. They accurately bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is composed of one or more false teeth (pontics) with dental crowns at either end. The crowns go over the anchoring teeth (supporting teeth) and keep the bridge in place. Anchoring teeth can be your own teeth shaped to accommodate the crowns or dental implants.

Dental bridges are an ideal solution for people who have missing teeth but do not need extensive work. They enhance the appearance of your smile and protect the empty spaces left behind. Dental bridges can improve your speech if you have trouble speaking due to gaps in your teeth and can additionally help to strengthen your bite (for those that have a hard time chewing).

Empty spaces in your mouth where teeth used to be are prone to bacteria build up and infection so it is important to fill these gaps in. Teeth should be given extra care because a gap in your teeth or other dental problems can lead to future dental complications. This is because there is an increased pressure on your remaining teeth and the exposed gum can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Dental bridges are simple, long term solutions that can last for many years if you take care of them. They are moderately safe and remain permanently in your mouth, however the cost of dental bridges can sometime repels patients to undergo the treatment, eventually accepting the pain rather than tapping into their savings. Fortunately, patients can stretch their dental budget by traveling to affordable dental destinations. Hungary is one of the most desired and top-class tooth tourism destinations in Central Europe. Budapest is considered the capital of affordable dental care treatments and home to the world's best dentists, hygienists and dental nurses who work together to deliver the highest standards of dentistry and exceptional customer care. Dentists in Budapest use only proven cosmetic therapies and the latest dental technologies to provide top quality dentistry to patients in all stages of life.

Types of Dental Bridges depend on what sort of treatment you require, and your dentist will recommend one of three different types: traditional fixed bridge, resin-bonded bridge (Maryland-bonded bridge) or cantilever bridge. These bridges can be made out of various materials.

The cost of dental bridges can vary significantly because there are so many factors that contribute to the final price. The cost of dental bridges abroad are often more affordable than in the United States or the United Kingdom, which makes Mexico a welcoming alternative for affordable dental treatments. Dentists in Cancun offer a wide range of payment options for patients to choose from, while ensuring that you receive dental treatment that exceeds practice protocols.

Good Candidates for Dental Bridges

Good candidates for dental bridges include those that have a missing tooth or a couple of missing teeth. Patients with three or more gaps will need to speak to their dentist to make sure that this type of treatment is right for them. Depending on what your situation is, you may need additional or alternative cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dentures or dental implants.

If you have lost teeth as a result of trauma, accident, and tooth decay or any other reason, you are likely to be a good candidate for dental bridges. This treatment can greatly improve chewing and speaking if you have had difficulties resultant of your missing teeth. A dental bridge has a very natural appearance and is not noticeable.

One of the most important requirements for dental bridges is that you have strong enough teeth to support the bridge. If the teeth on either side of the gap or gaps are weak or damaged, they may not be able to keep the bridge securely in place.

Good candidates for dental bridges also have healthy gums. If the space between your missing teeth has been left exposed for a long period of time, you may have gum disease or an infection in the area. This is resultant of plaque and bacteria build up in the gaps left behind by missing teeth. If you practice good oral hygiene, this will not create an issue.

A good candidate for a dental bridge does not need any other mouth restoration work in the future.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three main types of dental bridges. They include: traditional dental bridges (fixed partial denture), resin bonded bridge (Maryland bonded bridge) and cantilever bridge.

Each one is used in a specific situation, discourse with your dentist to find out if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge.

The location of your missing teeth and the amount of pressure that the area receives are the main factors that determine which type of dental bridges will be used. The cost of a dental bridge may also influence your final decision.

Traditional Dental Bridge: This type of dental bridge, also known as fixed partial denture, is the most commonly used today. An artificial tooth or pontic is joined to two dental crowns thus creating a bridge. The supporting teeth on either side of the gap are cut down to size or shaped accordingly. The entire bridge is then placed over the gap and the anchoring teeth so it looks like no teeth are missing. The traditional dental bridges can also be used to correct two or sometimes three gaps.

Resin Bonded Dental Bridge: Resin bonded, commonly known as Maryland bonded bridge, is a type of dental bridge, which is often less expensive than a traditional dental bridge because surrounding teeth are not adjusted as much. The dentist uses resin cement and metal bands to attach a false tooth to the surrounding teeth. This type of bridge is usually used on missing front teeth rather than back teeth.

Cantilever Dental Bridge: If you only have teeth on one side of a gap, a cantilever dental bridge will be employed. The side teeth will act as the anchoring or abutment teeth supporting the pontic (artificial tooth). This type of dental bridge can used for either your existing teeth as supports or dental implants if you have them. A cantilever bridge can be used on your front teeth and in areas where there is not so much pressure.

Dental bridges can be made out of a variety of materials and the types of dental bridges are not restricted to one type of material. Each has their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

Metal Dental Bridges

-Advantages of Mental Dental Bridges

· Very strong and durable

· Long lasting and resistant to chips and breaking

· Cause less wearing of neighboring teeth

· Require less filing down of anchoring teeth

· Can be gold, metal alloys or stainless steel

-Main Disadvantage

· Metallic and obvious unnatural appearance

Porcelain Fused to Metal Dental Bridges

-Advantages of Porcelain Fused to Metal Dental Bridges

· Natural final appearance

· Shade matched to your own teeth

· Can be used on both back and front teeth

· Strong and durable

-Disadvantages of Porcelain Fused to Metal Dental Bridges

· Porcelain can wear away at neighboring teeth

· Vulnerable to chipping and breaking

· Metal core can sometimes show through

· Can lead to problems at the dental crown and gum line

Ceramic Dental Bridges

-Advantages of Ceramic Dental Bridges

· Most natural final appearance

· Suitable for front teeth

· Can be used on patients allergic to metals

-Disadvantages of Ceramic Dental Bridges

· Ceramic can wear away at neighboring teeth

· Vulnerable to chipping and breaking

Resin Dental Bridges:

-Advantage of Resin Dental Bridges

· Most affordable out all types of dental bridges

-Disadvantage of Resin Dental Bridges

· Most susceptible to chipping and breaking

Dental Bridge Procedure

The dental bridge procedure is carried out over two appointments. The dentist may give you a mild anesthetic to alleviate discomfort. The dental bridges procedure is quite safe and non-invasive. During you first visit, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums to make sure that you are a good candidate for a dental bridge. He or She will discuss with you the different types of dental bridges available and suggest one depending on the location of your missing tooth or teeth.

If the cost of a dental bridge is an important factor for you, you may also want to talk about what material your dental bridges will be made of. Gold for example, is significantly more expensive than resin and each material has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

Having discussed these important issues, the dentist will make a mold of your mouth to determine the size of the replacement tooth and anchoring dental crowns. The dental bridge needs to fit perfectly so it is not too loose or too tight. Your dentist will also provide you with a temporary dental bridge to protect the exposed area between your missing teeth. During your second appointment, the dentist will remove your temporary bridge and cement your custom made dental bridges into place.

If you are planning on getting your teeth whitened, it is best that you do this before the color of your dental bridges is chosen. This is due to the fact that dental bridges do not respond to whitening methods and will stay their original color while the rest of your teeth are whitened.

You will be provided you thorough instructions on how to take care of your dental bridges and may also give you dental floss especially designed to clean it.

Risks and Side Effects of Dental Bridges

Fortunately, there are few dental bridges risks and side effects that you need to be concerned with. The dental bridges procedure is quite safe and non-invasive – especially when compared to other treatments such as dental implants or root canals.

There are, however, a number of potential complications you should be aware of. The dental bridge risks and side effects tend to occur during the treatment or shortly after.

Dental Bridge Risks and Side Effects:

· In order to prepare your teeth for the dental bridge, some of the healthy neighboring teeth will have to be cut down to size so they can accommodate the dental crowns. You will be unable to get your original teeth back unless via other cosmetic dentistry means.

· If not enough care is taken in preparing your dental bridges, it may not fit you perfectly. Make sure you undergo treatment with a good dentist.

· After having your dental bridge installed, your mouth may feel sore and tender. This will last for a few days or longer – depending on how sensitive the area is.

· For a few weeks following the dental bridge placement, your teeth may be very sensitive to extreme temperatures. Be sure to not put anything too hot or too cold into your mouth.

· If you are having issues recovering from the dental bridge placement, you should talk to your dentist about medication for the pain or special toothpaste to help with sensitivity.

· If the dental bridge does not reproduce your natural bite exactly, you may experience some pain when you do bite down.

· Constant biting on a bridge can eventually cause quite a lot of strain on the ligament surrounding the tooth. This may lead to bone loss over time.

· In the long run, a dental bridge may wear away the surrounding teeth and potentially damage your gums, especially if certain types of dental bridges are used.

· If you don’t practice good oral hygiene and look after your dental bridges, your teeth and gums will be more susceptible to plaque build-up and infection. This is because food particles can get trapped under the bridge and cause tooth decay. Be sure to follow the dentist’s instructions so your dental bridges can last a long time.

Costs of Dental Bridges

The cost of dental bridges can be quite expensive. Sometimes, insurance companies can cover part of your treatment costs but they rarely pay for the entire dental bridge procedure. In places such as the United States or United Kingdom, cosmetic dentistry can reach thousands of dollars.

As a more affordable alternative, many patients are choosing dentists abroad. The cost of dental bridges abroad is significantly less than what you would be expected to pay at home. The money you save can accommodate having a great vacation in a fabulous location.

There are clinics all around the world that offer high quality care to medical tourists. These medical tourists are important to the local economy and local dentists and general staff recognize that.

The lack of dental insurance in Europe and the United States drives the dental tourism in Cyprus. Cyprus is an island renowned for its streamlined, advanced dental technology and skilled dentists.

Dental bridges in Limassol are offered at a lower cost than in the US, Canada and Europe. Clinics in other places such as Mexico, Turkey and Croatia even offer attractive treatment packages that include transport and accommodation.

The cost of dental bridges ultimately depends on the type of dental bridge that is chosen and the materials that it is made from. If you require more than one bridge or are having additional treatments at the same time such as teeth whitening, then your total cost will be increased.

Dental Bridge FAQ's

Common Dental Bridges FAQ’s

Can I have a Dental Bridge installed right after my tooth is extracted?
No, you will need to wait for your gums to fully heal and this may take up to six months.

How can I look after my dental bridge?
Good practice is good oral hygiene. You need to brush and floss regularly, paying special attention to the dental bridge. This will in due course prevent tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease, and ensure the long life of your dental bridge.

Do I need to change my diet after getting a dental bridge?
It may be worth eating soft food or food that has been cut up into small pieces until you get used to the dental bridge.

How long will a dental bridge last?
If you take care of it, your dental bridge should last you 10-15 years.

How is the dental bridge cemented into place?
Permanent cement is used to bond the dental bridge to your existing teeth. You will be asked to bite down firmly onto dental pads for the bridge to be completely installed. During this time the cement will quickly set. The dentist then removes the excess cement.

How much of my anchoring teeth will be removed?
This really depends on what type of dental bridges you have chosen. A metal bridge will require less removal than a porcelain one, for example.

Will my insurance company cover the cost of dental bridge?
General insurance doesn’t usually cover the cost of a dental bridge but some dental insurance companies may cover some or all of your treatment costs.

What happens if my dental bridge chips or breaks?
You should make an appointment with your dentist so he can inspect the amount of damage done and decide whether it can be fixed or needs to be replaced.

If I don’t get a dental bridge, will my neighboring teeth shift?
It is likely that your teeth will naturally shift into the space left by a missing tooth if it is not filled in. This may lead to gaps between your teeth over time.