Dental Bridges - Fixed bridges and cantilever bridges
Dental bridges are made to fill in an area in the mouth where a tooth is missing. There are a few different types of bridges to choose from. These include Maryland bridges, fixed bridges also known as resin bonded bridges, and cantilever bridges. Choosing the correct bridge for you is a decision that needs to be made between you and your dentist, however having some extra knowledge about how the procedure will work and how much of a dent it will put in your wallet.
A fixed bridge is basically a false tooth or a pontic that is attached to a crown on either side. This is generally done in a dental lab. When you first go to your dentist he will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a small amount of each tooth. Your dentist will then take an impression for the so that the lab can create a bridge that is custom fitted to your teeth. Most dental labs take between two and three weeks to finish a bridge. In the mean time your dentist will give you a temporary bridge to fill the gap while you wait. You dentist may give you a flipper instead. A flipper is a removable tooth that can be taken out to eat or to brush your teeth. Once your bridge has come back from the lab you your dentist will attach the porcelain crowns to the teeth on either side of the gap. This bridge will now be permanently attached and the surrounding teeth may be sensitive for the first few weeks. In the United Kingdom a fixed bridge can run about £500 to £625. Check around with different dentists to find the best quality and price and call your insurance company to find out how much they will cover.
For the front teeth and non chewing surfaces a Maryland bridge may be better. A Maryland bridge, which is often referred to as a resin bonded bridge is similar to a fixed bridge as it is permanently bonded to the teeth, however the dentist does not use crowns to attach it. Instead it has a metal wing on each side that is bonded to the tooth with a resin. This is done on the lingual side of the tooth to as to obscure it from view. This type of bridge does not require as much work and preparation to the tooth on either side. This type of bridge usually runs £500 in the United Kingdom.
Maryland Dental Bridge
While a Maryland bridge can be useful for the front teeth there are also a couple problems associated with them. Many times the metal will make the tooth appear slightly gray. This is because the teeth are naturally translucent. This can cause the pontic to look discolored if it is not taken into consideration before the bridge is affixed to the teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
A Cantilever bridge is a bridge that is only attached to one other tooth. This is done very similarly to a fixed bridge and is typically used when there is an open space on the other side of the gap that the pontic is filling.
Many people get a bridge for cosmetic reasons, however there are also other benefits to having a dental bridge. These can fill the spaces in your teeth and prevent other teeth from drifting into places that they do not belong. They can also help protect the gums from injury.
With proper oral hygiene a dental bridge will generally last from ten to fifteen years. Your dentist will be able to tell you the best way to care for and floss your bridge.
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