Dental bridges are a common procedure to replace missing teeth, and there are many different dental bridge types you can find. The same thing applies to materials as well. Those that are looking to learn more about dental services can visit our site and find the necessary information. As for the materials, there are several different options available, and choosing them depends on the situation.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a way to replace missing teeth, and they are used to bridge the gap between teeth. This method can be used to replace a single tooth or even more than one. The only thing that matters is that there are natural teeth in the jaw to use as a foundation. At least when it comes to the most common type of dental bridge.
Essentially, dental bridges are implants (since they are false teeth). The solution is permanent, and you won’t need to worry about the missing tooth (or teeth) anymore. Since the nature of these bridges is different from regular dental implants, putting them on requires additional work.
The dentist will need to create the basis either using natural teeth or implants. The adjacent teeth also need to be prepared for the procedure, and the false tooth is placed between them. One of the main advantages of these bridges is that they don’t require surgery. In the majority of cases, the dentist will use natural teeth, which means that the entire procedure is non-invasive.
Of course, if the bridge is placed on implants, the patient will require surgery, and the procedure is the same as with implants.
Types of Dental Bridges
To fully understand materials, we need to take a moment to see the different types of dental bridges available today.
Traditional Dental Bridge
The traditional dental bridge consists of a bridge that can be for one or more teeth, and on each side of the bridge is an abutment tooth. This tooth is used to support the crown, and teeth on either side need to be adjusted to support the bridge. Of course, the only way for this method to work is if the patient has natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
If this is not the case, the patient will need to go for a different option. The traditional bridge is the most common option, and it is a great way to replace missing teeth.
Cantilever Bridges
The idea behind this method is rather similar to the previous one, with one important difference. Namely, the bridge is attached to a single tooth instead of two. So, if the patient has one natural tooth on the side, it will be enough to support the bridge. The false tooth or pontic uses a single dental crown, and it can support up to three teeth.
So, as long as there is one natural tooth next to the gap, it will be enough to use the cantilever bridge.
Maryland Bridge
Maryland bridge is another option that requires two abutment teeth on each side. However, the main difference between Maryland and the traditional bridge is that this one doesn’t require crowns. Instead, there is a frame attached to natural teeth, and the frame is used to provide support for the false tooth.
This can be a great option for those that are missing a single tooth, and the procedure is non-invasive.
Implant-Supported Bridge
In cases when the natural tooth can’t be used, the only other option is to use an implant. The idea behind these bridges is the same as previous ones, except the implant is used as a basis for the bridge. Of course, the method is invasive and requires surgery since the patient will need to have the implant installed before the procedure.
Generally speaking, the dentist will place an implant for each missing tooth. After that, the implants will serve as a foundation for the bridge. It is also possible to use two implants on the side of the gap, and the method is identical to the traditional. Furthermore, we should mention that implant-supported bridges require two surgeries.
The first one is to place the implant (or implants) into the jaw, and the second one is for the bridge. The patient will need to heal properly between these two procedures, which means that placing bridges might take a couple of months before it’s done.
Materials Used
When it comes to types of dental bridge materials, there are several different options, and they mostly depend on the type of the bridge. Moreover, each person is different as well. And there are no universal rules to what materials the dentist will use. The choice depends on the specific situation and the condition of the teeth.
Today, there are numerous different choices. And as cosmetic dentistry improves and grows, we can expect new options. In the majority of cases, the dentist will go for zirconium or porcelain, and both materials will look natural. Metal or porcelain looks great, and they are quite durable, which is something that many will enjoy.
Other metal alloys include gold, palladium, nickel, chromium, and many others. The main problem with metal is that it doesn’t look natural, and it won’t look as good. Metal is often used on molars, and its durability is exceptional. What matters is that these teeth are in the back, which means that no one will see that they don’t fit as well.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns work great since they look and feel natural, and they are a perfect alternative for those allergic to certain metals. It mostly depends on the type and situation when the bridge is used. For example, the Maryland bridge will often have a metal framework, and since it’s located on the inside of the tooth, it won’t be as visible. So, if you plan on getting a dental bridge, the best option is to discuss it with your dentist and see which option is the best.
