Cincinnati Dental Bridges by Top Cosmetic Dentists

What Is A Dental Bridge?

As a family dentist in Cincinnati, seeing patients of all ages, we get many questions about cosmetic dentistry products and procedures. One common question is this: What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is made to fill in the space created by missing teeth. It works like a dental implant but covers multiple teeth. In fact, a bridge is affixed to the jawbone with two dental implants on either side. Unlike dental implants, a dental bridge is not a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. It will need to be replaced after about 15 years. However, if you have several missing teeth in a row, getting a dental implant bridge with just two actual implants (one at each end) is simpler and costs much less than replacing each tooth with its own dental implant. This bridge is a way for the patient to effectively have a full set of teeth, because the natural teeth are replaced by false teeth.

However, there are different types of dental bridges, and your dentist will select the option that is best suited to the patient’s specific needs – several are available. Dental bridges, sometimes called fixed partial dentures, are made to anchor to the teeth on either side of the gap. This enables the denture to be removed for daily cleaning. These false teeth can also be anchored by dental implants. Dentures can also be anchored by bonding them to the teeth on either side. This would require the teeth to be fitted with implant crowns so that the dentures can be properly and permanently set in place.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three types of bridges that are most commonly made. Our most popular is the Traditional. It is made of ceramics or porcelain fused to metal. Cantilevers are made for a condition where there are teeth only on one side for anchoring the bridge. Maryland bonded bridges are constructed with plastic teeth and gums on framework made of metal. Each type of dental bridge has its own pros and cons that your dentist can discuss with you, the main factors usually being cost, longevity, and how bad the damage or decay of your teeth is.

Porcelain is considered to be the most durable and more natural in appearance, so it is frequently used in making replacement teeth. This is true not only for dental bridges but for tooth veneers, dental implants and dentures.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge will provide several benefits for the patient:

    • A smile can be restored when the front teeth are replaced.
    • Foods can be enjoyed again since they can be properly chewed.
    • The ability to speak clearly will be restored.
    • Facial features will be maintained in the proper shape.
    • Bite force will be restored.
    • The teeth surrounding the gap will be kept in position.
    • The jaw bone structure will not deteriorate.

The Process of Getting a Dental Bridge

The dentist will make this dental appliance after reviewing the x-rays of the patient’s mouth to be sure that the surrounding teeth are in good condition. They will review the complete list of options to replace missing teeth with the patient to ensure that the patient is properly informed about every step.

Once the dentist is certain that the patient can have this type of denture anchored, an impression of the gap area including the teeth on either side will be made. This will guide the dental lab in making the denture to fit the area.

The entire process is painless and can be done in a minimal amount of time. Patients are generally very pleased with the results. A dental bridge makes it possible to eat normally again and have a beautiful smile without the embarrassment of missing teeth.