Dental Bridges – A Solution for Missing Teeth Replacement

If you are missing a tooth or more, dental bridges are one of two dental solutions to help close the gap. It wouldn't matter whether the dental gap is congenital or caused by tooth decay, gum disease, poor hygiene, or injury; it can be closed this way. However, there are many types, and you'd have to decide which is best for your situation. Such a decision is usually based on the number of missing teeth and the types of teeth surrounding the gap. 

Before getting this treatment, though, familiarity with the basics could help. For most types of bridges used, the enamel of the natural teeth around the gap would have to be removed to facilitate the attachment of a dental crown. This crown would anchor the bridge and allow fake teeth (pontics) to be securely placed in the gap.

Types of dental bridges

• Traditional: The traditional bridge can be used to close a gap of up to four teeth and would only be possible if natural teeth are surrounding the gap. Using such a method, the enamel from the natural teeth would be removed, and the crown would be placed on them.
• Maryland: Using the Maryland method, the pontic(s) would be attached to the gum where the missing teeth should be using a porcelain or metal framework (attached to the surrounding teeth) to secure the new tooth. This method is preferred if you want to avoid using a crown.
• Cantilever: This type of bridge is like the traditional one but is used in situations where only one natural tooth surrounds the gap. In such a case, the natural tooth's enamel would be removed to make space for the crown, while the pontic would be placed in the gap.
• Implant-supported: As the name suggests, an implant would be used here to support the bridge. It is the most suitable type in situations where more than a single tooth is missing, as single implants for each missing tooth confers more security to the bridge. 

How regularly would dental bridges need to be replaced?

Unfortunately, dental bridges are not a one-and-done solution though maintaining them over the years isn't a complicated process. Regarding hygiene, the fake teeth in the bridge are to be cared for just like normal teeth. However, the crowns holding the pontics in place would need to be changed every 7-10 years, and the bridge itself would be replaced every ten years or so.

This regular replacement might be considered uncomfortable, but the advantage of a bridge over implants is that, despite the need for maintenance and replacements, they do not involve invasive procedures, as in the case of implants. Simply put, the inconvenience of having a bridge is limited to scheduling the two visits required for the process but having a complete set of teeth would be worth the time.  

Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.

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