Has your dentist recommended that you get a dental bridge? Are you suspicious that you might need one?
If so, you probably have questions. You might not even be sure what a dental bridge is in the first place. Not to worry — in this article, we’ll answer all your questions about dental bridges.
By the end of this article, you’ll know what they are, who needs one, and where you should go to get one.
Read on to have all your burning bridge questions answered.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
First things first: what is a dental bridge, anyway?
It is exactly what it sounds like. It is a device that bridges the gap between teeth when you are missing one or more teeth.
Usually, a crown is placed on the teeth that are located on either side of the gap or missing tooth. These are called anchoring teeth because they serve to anchor the bridge in place.
Then, a false tooth is placed in between the anchoring teeth and held in place by the crowns on either side. Usually, false teeth are made of porcelain, gold, or other alloys. They can be supported by dental implants or natural teeth.
Bridges are the perfect solution for people who are missing teeth for any reason.
Plus, bridges offer lots of benefits. They can give you your confidence back by restoring your smile. They can give you your lifestyle back by restoring your ability to chew and speak properly.
They can also help protect your overall health and dental health. When teeth are missing, the rest of your mouth can drift out of position, which can greatly affect your bite and even the shape of your face.
Replacing missing teeth promptly can help to preserve your bite, your face, and your comfort levels.
Types of Dental Bridges
When it comes to getting a dental bridge, you have options. There are three very common types of bridges with a wide range of pros and cons.
Traditional Bridge
First, there is the traditional bridge, which is the most popular type of bridge.
A traditional bridge consists of fake teeth that are held in place by dental crowns. The crowns are cemented onto the teeth next to the open space in your mouth. These bridges work if you have one missing tooth or several.
Traditional bridges are strong enough to replace molars. They can be used when you have natural teeth on either side of the gap.
The only downside is that your dentist must remove your enamel to apply the crowns, so these teeth will always need to be covered by crowns.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is similar.
However, the fake tooth is supported by a crown on only one side rather than both sides. Your dentist will still have to remove your enamel in order to install a cantilever bridge.
They sometimes lead to fractured teeth or loose crowns since they are only supported on one side.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge is another popular option. In this case, the fake tooth is held in place by a metal or porcelain piece. The framework is attached to the backs of the two teeth located next to the missing tooth spot. It is not held in place by crowns, which preserves the two teeth next to the gap.
This is a popular option because it is a bit more conservative than a traditional bridge since you don’t have to file your teeth down for crowns.
However, they are sometimes not as strong since they are only as strong as the teeth they’re attached to. The framework may also bother you because it takes up space inside your mouth.
Who Needs a Dental Bridge?
If you’re not sure whether or not you need a dental bridge, the answer is simple.
Are you missing one or more teeth? Does this bother you? If so, you’re probably a good candidate for getting a dental bridge installed.
Usually, bridges are meant for people who are missing one to three consecutive teeth. People who are missing more teeth than that may be better off getting partial dentures or maybe even dental veneers.
The only people who may not be a good candidate for getting a bridge are people whose surrounding teeth are suffering decay or are not structurally sound. If this is the case, a bridge might not work for you. Gum disease can be another reason to hold off on getting a bridge. Your dentist will be able to advise.
People who are affected by their lack of a tooth often want to get a replacement put in. The missing tooth may be affecting their life in all kinds of ways.
For one, it can affect your social life by detracting from your confidence due to a gap filled smile. More importantly, it can affect your overall health.
If your mouth is causing you pain or discomfort due to shifting teeth, a dental bridge may be the right solution for you. If your missing tooth or teeth is affecting your mood or eating habits, it’s probably time to talk to your dentist about getting a dental bridge.
Restoring your oral health or confidence levels through a relatively routine procedure is a gift you should be willing to give yourself.
Where to Go When You Need a Dentist
When it’s time to talk to your dentist about getting a bridge, you want to go to someone who is widely respected and who has significant experience doing that procedure.
If you’re looking for low-cost dental care with top notch quality, you should consider heading to Costa Rica. Many people from all over the world go to this country to find a great dentist in Costa Rica.
Usually, dental appointments are a fraction of the cost than they would be in other countries like the USA. However, the same high quality of care and attention is provided to the patient.
Do you need to talk to someone about getting a bridge? Contact us today and we’d be happy to answer all of your questions.
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