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A bridge also called a “fixed bridges” or a “fixed dental prosthesis”, is similar to a partial denture. The key difference is that bridges are not removable. Bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth and extend across an area that has no natural teeth left.
If you have a gap in your teeth, a dental bridge may be right for you. This gap may be due to injury, decay, or disease. A dental bridge uses the teeth adjacent to the gap for support. These teeth are substantially reshaped and are covered with dental crowns.
The dental crowns are attached to the replacement tooth. If you have several side-by-side teeth missing, a dental bridge covers the gap. The bridge is permanently cemented onto the adjacent teeth (abutment), and the replacement tooth is shaped to look exactly like a real tooth, resting on the gums.
Dental tooth bridges cover the gap from a partial tooth loss of one or more natural teeth. Two or more crowns on either side of the gap hold the bridge in place. If the abutment teeth are already decayed or stained and would benefit from being covered up with dental crowns.
Instead of using crowns on the adjacent teeth, you can use implants. Placing a bridge on implants is ideal if the gap covers several teeth. Implants support abutment teeth for a fixed bridge.
Dr. Khabensky, our cosmetic dentistry expert, uses this technique if the gap covers the entire side of your mouth. If your natural teeth aren’t strong enough to sustain a tooth bridge, implants may be used instead.
A dental bridge restores your ability to eat and speak. The result is a natural and younger-looking appearance. A tooth bridge restores the lost tooth structure. It eliminates the unsightly and uncomfortable movement of your other tooth. Advantages of dental bridges provided by the top-rated dentists:
Various materials can be used for a dental bridge, including:
Tooth bridge types come in different forms. The type you get depends on your individual needs, mouth requirements, concerns over the cost, and desired outcomes.
The types of dental tooth bridges include:
The number of visits to our dental center depends on several factors. These include the number of teeth involved and the length of the bridge. The tooth bridge procedure steps include:
It’s hard to give a dental bridge cost estimate. Insurance should help cover at least a portion of your costs. The total cost may vary depending on your needs. There are several ways to replace missing teeth. Tooth bridges represent the more affordable replacement option.
With proper care, they will last from 5 to 15 years. In some cases they last longer. Aftercare includes normal good dental habits and regular checkups.
The issue of dental bridges vs implants takes into account issues such as tooth bridge cost, abutment teeth health, durability, its durability, and aesthetics. Discuss everything with your cosmetic dentist.
If you lose one or more teeth, it’s essential to replace them to protect your appearance as a gap can place additional strain on the remaining teeth, and the teeth begin to lean towards or shift into the empty space. The change in tooth position negatively affects how your upper and lower teeth bite together.
The options available include:
The choices open to you may depend on the number of teeth missing, their location, and the condition of your remaining natural teeth. The easiest and most cost-effective way to restore missing teeth is with a partial denture.
A partial denture has a gum-colored acrylic base that sits directly on the gums and supports denture teeth. It is usually strengthened with a lightweight metal framework made from cobalt chrome. Often, there are clasps that fit around your existing natural teeth and which help hold the denture in place more securely. Sometimes these clasps are visible when you smile or talk.
The advantage of having a partial denture is that the process to make and fit it is relatively non-invasive, and no surgery is needed. However, your dentist might need to adjust your natural teeth slightly to accommodate the clasps. If you are missing teeth in different areas of your mouth, a partial denture can be made to replace them all. Sometimes additional teeth can be added to the partial denture if you lose teeth in the future.
However, while a cost-effective choice, a partial denture is far from perfect. Because it rests on the gums, it can create sore spots, and the pressure accelerates bone loss in your jawbone.
The teeth fitted with clasps need to be strong, but the additional strain may damage them over time. It is a removable dental appliance, meaning you need to take it out to clean it regularly and leave it out overnight to give your gums a chance to recover. If you are looking for a fixed solution, you may want to investigate a dental bridge.
Dental implants are the most modern way to replace missing teeth and are a tried and tested solution used for several decades.
The implant consists of a small titanium alloy or ceramic post surgically inserted into the jawbone during a short procedure. The post is specially designed to integrate with the bone around it, encouraging new bone growth to become fused in place gradually.
Once the implant is fused to the jawbone, it acts as a replacement tooth root, supporting a new implant crown. An implant dentist can also use dental implants to support a fixed implant bridge, where several missing teeth used to be side by side.
The fixed bridge is cemented or screwed onto the dental implants and is only removable by a dentist. It can be a good option if the adjacent or abutment teeth aren’t strong enough to support a dental bridge or are missing entirely.
There are several other advantages in choosing dental implants, and one of the most important is the protective effect on your jawbone.
Do you have any questions about dental bridges in Brooklyn? Would you like more bridge dental work information? Need to schedule an appointment with the best-rated dentist Khabensky DDS of Family Cosmetic & Implants Dentistry? Please contact our dental clinic for a consultation.
