Welcome to our ultimate guide to dental bridges!
In this post, we are going to explore some of the most common questions and situations under which dental bridges are used.
A dental bridge typically consists of two or more specially fitted dental crowns that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants. They are commonly used to cover a space if you’re missing one or more teeth.
Dental bridges are made to look very natural, so nobody will be able to tell just by looking at you that you are missing some of your natural teeth. Dr. Mariana Cicone
Dental Bridges Explained
Before and After (Click to enlarge)
BridgesA dental bridge is a prosthetic multiple tooth fixed device, used to fill a gap left after a tooth has been lost or has had it’s structure damaged. The bridge replaces the crown, which is the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.
Some bridges replace just one tooth, while others replace several. Your dentist will use cement or dental bonding to attach the bridge to the teeth on each side of the gap, anchoring it in place.
Fixed bridges are strong and reliable, and in most cases they feel and look very much like natural teeth.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
It usually requires 2 visits to the dentist to get a dental bridge.
| Visit Number | Objective Of Visit |
|---|---|
| 1 | Have impressions taken and prepare the teeth involved. Our dental technicians will then make your bridge on site in our dental lab. |
| 2 | Fit the bridge that has been made in our dental lab. |
Normally, after the first visit, the patient leaves with a temporary bridge. This will be replaced with a permanent bridge at the second visit.
When Should A Dental Bridge Be Used?
A dental bridge can be used to replace a tooth that has been extracted or to fill gaps where adult teeth never erupted. If you are missing several teeth in a row, your dentist can design a bridge with multiple false teeth attached.
In all cases, the bridge sits against your gums and is cemented or otherwise attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. It is a very good option for patients that are not suitable for an implant, or for many reasons decide not to go through a surgical procedure.
The bridge also helps to maintain the long-term structure of the mouth. Normally, a gap as a result of a missing tooth can cause the neighboring teeth to shift gradually or spread out, thus causing a bite issue.
The dental bridge helps to hold the neighbouring teeth firmly in place, reducing any risk of shifting or subsequent bite issues. Dr. Mariana Cicone
Dental Bridges Or Implants: Suitability
Nowadays dental implants are quite a popular treatment option, due to their natural appearance and longevity in the mouth.
Also implants don’t cause any damage to your other teeth as bridges sometimes can, since the teeth adjacent to the gap need to be prepared (drilled) to be the pillars of the bridge.
However, not everyone is suitable for dental implants.
You may not be suitable for a dental implant if:
- you have a weak or eroded jaw bone structure that would not support an implant
- it would heal poorly due to diabetes or autoimmune diseases
In these instances, your dentist may recommend replacing your missing tooth with a dental bridge instead.
What Material Are Dental Bridges Made From?
Dental bridges can be made from different materials, which are usually porcelain and metal together, pure porcelain or zirconia.
The best option for each case should always consider:
- the number of teeth to be replaced
- the location in the mouth
- the need for more aesthetic or strong forces resistance
- and obviously the cost difference between them
Dental Bridge Cost
The total cost of the bridge will depend on how many teeth are being replaced. Each unit of the bridge costs from €400 to €500 each, depending on the material it is made from.
To make things easier for our patients, we offer payment plans on treatments over €1,000. We are also a Flexi-Fi partner, allowing our patients to pay over a time period that suits them.
Is A Bridge Cheaper Than An Implant?
This depends on many factors, like:
- the number of missing teeth you need to replace
- the material used on the bridge
When you decide to go for an implant, sometimes you need some previous treatment, like bone or gum graft, which increases the final cost of the implant.
That is why it is important to have a good chat with your dentist, so you can hear about all the available options, the costs involved and what type of treatment is best for you. We are delighted to offer free consultations to all prospective patients.
Dental Bridges Near Me
We have clinics in:
- The Red Cow Complex, Naas Rd, Fox-And-Geese, Dublin, D22 KV24
- Old Quarter House, Little Ellen St, Limerick, V94 D72V
We offer free consultations at our clinics allowing you to get all your questions answered before you proceed with treatment.
How Long Does A Bridge Last In Your Mouth?
If you take good care of your bridge, and maintain regular check ups with your dentist, the bridge can last for up to 15 years.
Conclusion
Before and After (Click to enlarge)
BridgesDental bridges are an affordable option to replace missing teeth, especially for patients that are not suitable for an implant.
They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, recover function and improve smile aesthetics.
Although it is not the only tooth replacement option available, it is a suitable restorative dentistry option for most patients.
If you have any gaps or missing teeth that bother you, book a free consultation at either our Dublin or Limerick clinic.
We would be delighted to answer all your questions and show you all the options you have to improve your smile!