Overview:
Having a missing tooth? It will affect not just your smile but your confidence as well as overall oral health. Dental Bridges are one of the commonly recommended treatments to fix this issue. This blog will guide you about dental bridges, their types, benefits and bridges cost in India.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental Bridges are the appliances used to replace one missing tooth or a row of missing teeth by filling the gap between natural teeth or dental implants.
Dental Bridges are made up of two different parts:
1. Abutments are the structures on either side of the gap that provide support to bridges. Generally natural teeth act as abutment but sometimes tiny connector posts used in dental implant-supported bridges also act as abutment.
2. Pontics are artificial or false teeth that fill the gap left due to missing teeth.
These will restore your smile, chewing ability and enhance confidence.
When do you need Dental Bridges?
You need or required dental bridge if your dentist recommend and:
1. Have One or more missing teeth
2. Teeth shifting due to gaps
3. To restore chewing ability and enhance your smile
4. To maintain facial structure and prevent sagging
5. Want a less costly option alternative to dental implant
Types of Dental Bridges
There are different types of dental bridges and your dentist can recommend the best option suitable based on your oral health. Below are some of types:
1. Traditional Dental Bridge: It is made up of dental crowns (caps) at both ends and pontics (fake teeth) in the middle. The dentist will fix the crowns to your natural teeth (abutments) on each side of the gap, and pontics will fill the gaps. These dental bridges are used when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides with gaps in between.
2. Cantilever Bridge: These are similar to traditional bridges, not as strong as these, but in this type only one crown is present at one end and the pontic will extend or hang over across the gap when the bridge is placed on a natural tooth.
Dentists recommend Cantilever Bridge when you have natural teeth on only one side of the gap.
3. Maryland Bridge: Also known as resin-bonded bridge, these use metal wings instead of crowns which are bonded to the back of your neighbouring teeth. Maryland Dental Bridges are suitable for front teeth as these can’t stand the chewing force of back teeth.
4. Implant-supported Bridge: These are similar to traditional bridges, but these are placed on top of implants not on natural teeth. But before placing bridge over implants, it must be fused with the jawbone.
Dentists can use implant-supported bridges when you have three or more missing teeth in a row.
How Dental Bridges are placed?
You can expect the below dental bridge procedure when you visit a dentist for bridge placement:
1. Firstly X-Ray will be done on your teeth to check the bridge and gum or bone health.
2. Then the dentist will shape your abutment tooth (remove some enamel) under local anesthesia so that the bridge can be placed.
3. Later on the dentist will take the impression and send it to the lab where the bridge will be made.
4. Then a temporary bridge will be placed until your final bridge will be ready.
5. The dentist will remove the temporary bridge and check the final bridge fit and if it fits properly, the bridge will bond in place.
Dental Bridge Cost in India
Generally Dental Bridges cost based on its type, material used, number of missing teeth and other factors. Below is the approx. dental bridge cost in India:
It will cost between 5000-15000 per tooth. Generally bridges consist of minimum 3 crowns/cap or more, so cost will change according to that.
Dental Bridges Advantage & Disadvantage
Benefits of Dental Bridges:
1. Provide natural teeth like solution for missing teeth
2. Affordable alternative to Dental Implant
3. Restore your smile and chewing ability
4. Prevent neighbouring teeth to shift towards the gaps
5. Improves confidence and speaking ability
Disadvantages:
1. Not strong and last long as dental implants
2. Cavities or gum infection can build up under the bridges if proper oral hygiene is not maintained
3. If abutment teeth are not strong then bridge can fracture
Dental Implant vs Bridge. Which is better?
Generally Dental Implant are considered the best option to replace missing teeth as these are permanent and function like natural teeth but are expensive.
While bridges are less expensive than implants but need to be replaced after 5-10 years depending on various factors.
So both have their own benefits, you can choose the one on the basis of your dentist recommendation according to your oral health goals.
Is getting a Dental Bridge painful?
If you are planning to get a dental bridge, don’t fear it doesn’t hurt as the treatment is done under local anaesthesia. So getting a dental bridge is not a painful treatment.
How long does a dental bridge last?
On an average dental bridge will last from five to fifteen years, and can last longer than it if proper oral health is maintained. These are permanent in the sense that only a dentist can remove them but these can’t last forever.
Conclusion
Dental Bridge is an affordable and effective solution to fix missing teeth. So if you are also looking for an alternative to dental implant, then choose dental bridges. These are affordable than implants as well as a long lasting solution. Consult the dentist near you to book an appointment for dental bridge treatment.
