A Dental Bridge: Types, Advantages And Disadvantages

In the event of a lack of teeth or molars in the mouth , the orthodontist can suggest placing a dental bridge. This is an alternative that allows the wearer to restore the aesthetics and functions that they have lost along with their teeth. What exactly does it mean? What are the pros and cons of this device?

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

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a kind of fixed prosthesis that we use to replace one or more missing teeth in the mouth. In particular, this covers the area where the teeth are missing with artificial crowns that attach to the healthy teeth that the person still has.

To fix a dental bridge to the adjacent teeth, they must be ground out beforehand. This means that the teeth must be filed so that the structure can be cemented onto them. This means that the patient cannot remove the prosthesis if it is secured in the mouth.

This form of rehabilitation allows the patient to regain the functions that he may have lost along with one or more teeth. Below we find:

• aesthetics
• obstruction
• the ability to chew
• the shape of the face
• speech and pronunciation

In general, dental bridges can be made from the following materials:

• metal
• waxing
• ceramics
• porcelain
• ceromers ( ceramic optimized polymer )

How are dental bridges made?

After the orthodontist has made the diagnosis and, in consultation with the patient, has decided to resolve the absence of some teeth by placing a dental bridge, these are the steps that he will follow:

• Cut out the remaining teeth. Under anesthesia, the orthodontist will file the adjacent teeth with the turbine. These teeth are then called pillars because they support the bridge.

• Take a print. The orthodontist will make molds of the mouth and then send them to the dental lab, where other specialists will make the bridge.
• Preliminary resin. Depending on the diagnostic model, provisional crowns will be made to fit over the filed pillars for the time it takes to create the bridge. This preserves the aesthetics and health of the worn elements.
• metal test. Here the metal structure of the bridge is tested. The orthodontist tests whether it is properly adjusted or whether it needs to be corrected.
• Color test. The orthodontist takes the patient’s color and sends it back to the lab.

• Bridge test. The orthodontist then tests the bridge in its entirety and makes the appropriate adjustments. Then he sends the bridge one last time to the lab to finish and shine.
• Pasting the bridge. The orthodontist covers the filed pillars with special cement and then secures them in the mouth.
• Later checks. After a period of use, the orthodontist makes another appointment with the patient to check that everything is in order.

What types of dental bridges are there?

There are different types of dental bridges. The most important are the more traditional types, the cantilever, Maryland, and those supported by implants. The choice depends on the specifics of the case. The orthodontist can guide the process depending on the person’s needs.

Traditional dental bridge

The traditional dental bridge is used when there are natural dental elements on either side of the void. The space is then filled with one or more artificial teeth that hold the crowns cemented over the pillars on both sides.

Having pillars on both sides  is best for distributing and supporting the impact of chewing. For that reason, it is common to have these at the back of the mouth.

Cantilever bridge

The Cantilever dental bridge is similar to the traditional bridge, with the difference that there is only one pillar to hold onto. In these cases, therefore, only one natural tooth is needed that can fill the space of the absent teeth.

The orthodontist files the chosen tooth into a pillar. Then the crown is cemented together with the bridge, so that the artificial tooth(s) can occupy the empty space. Since there is only one fulcrum, there should be less resistance. Sometimes teeth can break or come off completely due to a lever-like structure that forms when the person chews.

Maryland dental bridge

Maryland Dental Bridges (English link) use two natural dental elements as pillars, one on each side of the void. The difference with traditional bridges is that no crowns are placed over the pillars, but side fins made of metal or porcelain, which are attached to the back of the adjacent teeth.

For this it is essential that there is a natural element on both sides of the space created by the missing tooth parts. In this case, the orthodontist does not need to file the teeth as much, making it the most conservative option.

Anyway, this kind of bridge is only for areas not exposed to high occlusal load as they are not shock resistant.

Implant-supported dental bridge

As the name suggests, these bridges use implants instead of crowns over the broken teeth. In order to place the implants that will later support the bridge, the patient has to undergo surgery.

In general, there are two separate operations:

• one to place the implants
• another to place the bridge

This process can take months.

The number of implants and their placement depend on the specific case. For example, your dentist may place the implant in the center of the space, give you one for each missing element, or one at each end of the opening.

This type of dental bridge is the most stable and can withstand heavy forces the best. It is also usually the most comfortable for the person, and the only one to prevent bone resorption from the void.

The benefits of dental bridges

Placing a dental bridge has as many aesthetic as health benefits. Once the process is complete, the person can eat and chew normally again. In addition, pronunciation will improve because there are no more spaces that can cause involuntary sounds, syllables or other language habits.

From an aesthetic point of view, having all the teeth in the mouth can help with confidence and self-esteem. It prevents teasing and improves physical appearance by maintaining the shape of the face. By filling in the empty space of the lost teeth, the other teeth are also less likely to shift and change places.

The cost of the dental bridge is one of the most glaring advantages. They are durable and a lot cheaper compared to implants.

The disadvantages of dental bridges

Before resorting to a dental bridge as a solution for missing teeth, it is essential that you know some of the drawbacks of this method.

Below we will highlight a few:

• Wearing down the pillars. The main disadvantage of this type of denture is the fact that filling the healthy teeth is necessary. The wearing down of these teeth increases the risk of other damage in the process, and in certain cases the patient will have to undergo root canal treatment. Also, given the change of shape, these pieces should always be covered with a crown.
• aesthetic. Carrying out this process with metal can stain the tooth.

• Risk of leaks. The space between the column and the crown can sometimes cause holes under the crown.
• Risk of movement. The pillars can move, especially if they carry a heavy load while chewing. Specialists advise against its use in patients with harmful habits such as bruxism (grinding teeth), or biting objects or nails.
• Bone resorption. Because the bones without teeth are not stimulated, the body absorbs them again.
• Durability. Dental bridges usually last several years in the mouth, but if you compare them to implants, they last less.
• Risk of gingivitis. Bacteria can accumulate in the space between the bridge and the gums, causing inflammation of the latter.

Talk to your orthodontist for more information

Dental bridges can be a good option to replace the missing teeth in the mouth. However, before opting for this method, it is important to consult an orthodontist.

The orthodontist can help you clear up your doubts about the materials, types, designs and connections. He will also evaluate the possible inconveniences. Keep that in mind!