Dental Bridges in Mundaring

Tooth loss is a common issue that can have many causes. Some of these include gum disease or injury and tooth decay, as well as a congenital condition known as hypodontia. This common and costly dental condition is characterized by a person missing teeth from birth. Usually, complications during the formative period of the fetus are responsible for it. It can affect not only the aesthetics of one’s smile but also effectively impair oral functions.

To establish a bridge to replace missing teeth, you need healthy bone and gum tissue on either side. You also should maintain good oral hygiene habits so that your jaw is in optimal health for the procedure’s success.

Like most other cosmetic dentistry procedures, a general concern is whether the patient will find the dental bridge procedure painful. A local numbing agent is used to prevent pain and keep you comfortable during the entire process.

First treatment: Preparation of the site and installation of temporary bridges

The process of preparing a tooth for bridge installation is similar to that used in restoring teeth with crowns. Your dentist will first shape and file the anchor teeth (abutment), removing the outermost layer (enamel) of the abutment teeth as necessary so they can be prepared appropriately to receive the bridge.

At this stage, your dentist will then take an impression of the prepared mouth and send it to a dental laboratory for fabrication of a dental bridge tailored to fit the site impeccably. While waiting for your customized bridge, we place temporary ones to fill the tooth gap.

Second treatment: Installation of the permanent bridge

A dental bridge is permanently attached to the surrounding healthy teeth with dental cement when the patient returns for permanent bridge installation. An alternative method is for the dentist to surgically insert an implant into the jaw to secure the bridge. This alternative treatment choice is called an implant-supported bridge.

Dental bridges are a great investment for dental hygiene. They can last between five and fifteen years, or even longer if you take care of them properly. To keep your bridge in good condition, you must visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and schedule a checkup every few months. They will inspect the bridge for cracks developing where the teeth meet the gums because this would ultimately lead toward bridge failure.

In the event that a dental bridge is not the best treatment for you, your dentist may suggest a different treatment option, like:

Partial dentures. If you’ve lost multiple teeth at various places throughout your dental arch, dentures can serve as an affordable alternative to bridge treatment. This is also a more viable option if the anchoring teeth are too weak to support a dental bridge.

Complete dentures. It is possible to recommend a set of complete dentures for patients who have already lost all of their upper or lower teeth, as there would be no anchors available on which to fix a bridge.

Dental implants. Although the pricier and more invasive alternative, the longevity and natural appearance of dental implants are known to last longer than those of dental bridges. They may also be suggested if the jawbone density and overall health of the patient allow it. The implants serve as artificial tooth roots on which to anchor

Dental bridges can be classified into three main types: fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bonded bridges.

Traditional fixed bridges

The most common type of bridge is the fixed tooth-bearing gap created by placing crowns over healthy teeth on either side to hold it in place. This construction can be made from porcelain fused with metal or ceramics for durability, comfort & aesthetics. This type of bridge is often used to replace missing teeth where there are healthy ones on either side that can support it.

First, the healthy adjacent teeth that will support the traditional bridge need to undergo reshaping and fitting with crowns before installation; otherwise, it would cause too much stress for their supporting structures, which may result in premature failure of this type of bridge.

Cantilever bridges

Cantilever bridges are indicated for certain clinical situations when only one or no teeth are able to act as anchors for the bridge. This may occur because it’s not desirable to prepare either side with a crown in order to preserve aesthetics, like when an adjacent single tooth is located at the front of the mouth. The cantilevers provide support instead of an anchoring tooth. It is important to remember that if your abutment supports another prosthetic restoration. It may not be wise to inflict any more stress on it.

As there is only one abutment, there is generally less tooth prep than is required for a traditional dental bridge. On the other hand, this also means that a Cantilever bridge is more prone to loosening over time. Any area of your mouth with misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite will not be a probable candidate for this type of bridge because it is particularly susceptible to damage if there is an increase of unequal forces acting on it.

Maryland bonded bridges

Maryland bonded bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, are ideal to replace missing front teeth. These robust pieces of equipment can be used to replace a missing tooth in your smile and are made from a metal framework with porcelain fused onto its surface and have the ability to provide strong chewing support. The pontic will attach behind these healthy teeth so there’s no need to worry about it coming loose during activities like eating.

When a patient needs an alternative to traditional bridges, the Maryland bridge is often presented. This cosmetic treatment does not require extensive reshaping or placement of crowns on adjacent teeth like other dental bridge types; instead of relying upon metal wings that fit behind one’s abutment teeth.

Dental bridges are generally safe. Following the procedure, most patients take around 14 days after surgery to get used to the dental bridge. With any other dental care treatments, dental bridges have risks and disadvantages, like:

• An abutment or anchoring tooth that is damaged in the future may compromise the bridge.
• Plaque and bacteria can build up inside a crown due to food trapping if the fit is faulty.
• For the appliance to fit in place, healthy natural teeth undergo a reduction in structure.
• Your bite may also be affected by the bridge, as it can change the alignment of your teeth.
• Eventually, they need to be replaced after around five to fifteen years.

Dental bridges have been a great option for patients suffering from tooth loss. In the past, this type of treatment was only affordable by those who had ample funds to spend on it; however, today’s prices make them more accessible than ever before.

 A traditional bridge can cost anywhere between $4,200 and $5,800 while an alternative such as a cantilever bridge may be cheaper at around $2,700 to $3,400 depending upon your needs. Maryland bonded bridges which usually average somewhere near $1,300.