A dental bridgeis a common therapeutic solution used to replace one or more missing teeth, helping restore your smile’s functionality and aesthetics. Understanding the types and procedures involved in placing a dental bridge is essential for making informed decisions about your oral health and achieving a long-lasting, comfortable restoration.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental Bridges are medical devices to restore missing teeth. There are two main parts: the abutment and the pontics. The abutment is the post that supports the dental bridge, they are usually used to refer to natural teeth but in many cases, they can also be dental implants to support the bridge. The pontics is an artificial (false) tooth that helps fill the gap of a missing tooth.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and Implant-supported bridge.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns that are securely attached to the adjacent natural teeth, known as abutment teeth. This is the most common type of dental bridge and is typically used when the patient has natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever dental bridge
A cantilever dental bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but it is supported by a dental crown attached to only one abutment tooth. This type of bridge requires only one natural tooth next to the gap to be placed.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland dental bridge uses two natural abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap. Unlike traditional bridges, which rely on crowns placed over the abutment teeth, the Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain wings that are bonded to the back of the abutment teeth.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
An implant-supported dental bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but the crowns are anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth. Before the bridge can be placed, the implant posts must fully integrate with the jawbone, a process that typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient. Dentists may recommend an implant-supported bridge when a patient has lost three or more consecutive teeth.
To determine the most suitable type of dental bridge, the dentist must consider several factors, such as the patient’s age, the number of missing teeth, the size of the gap, and the overall health of the patient’s teeth and gums.
The Procedure Details Of Dental Bridge
Each type of dental bridge has its characteristics and procedure, which may vary accordingly.
Traditional or Cantilever Bridge Procedure
Local Anesthesia: The dentist will first administer local anesthesia to ensure the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure.
Preparation of Abutment Teeth: The dentist will reshape the adjacent teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to prepare them as abutment teeth. This step includes grinding the teeth to serve as support for the bridge.
Impression Taking: An impression of the patient’s teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory. At the lab, the final dental bridge is designed and manufactured using advanced CAD/CAM technology and the expertise of skilled technicians, ensuring high precision and a perfect fit for the patient’s oral structure.
Temporary Bridge Placement: While waiting for the permanent bridge, the dentist will provide a temporary bridge to protect the abutment and maintain function.
Final Bridge Placement: On the next visit, typically after 2 to 4 weeks, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is placed. The dentist will check the bite alignment and make necessary adjustments.
Cementing the Bridge: Once the fit and bite are confirmed, the permanent bridge is cemented in place, ensuring it is securely attached and functioning properly.
Maryland Bridge Procedure
The Maryland Bridge typically requires two dental visits.
First Visit:
- The dentist will prepare the abutment teeth where the metal or porcelain wings will be attached.
- An impression of the teeth is taken to create the permanent bridge and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication.
Second Visit:
- The dentist will place the final bridge and check for accuracy, making adjustments if necessary.
- Apply a solution to the supporting teeth that gets them ready for cement
- The wings of the bridge are then cemented into place, ensuring a secure fit and the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
Implant-Supported Bridge
The procedure for making an implant-supported bridge is more complicated than other types of bridges. First, the dentist will surgically place the implant post into the jawbone, then it will take 3-6 months for it to fully fuse with the jawbone (this process is also called osseointegration).
- During a second office visit, the dentist will attach the abutment to the implant post and take an impression of the teeth to make a permanent bridge.
- The impression is sent to the dental laboratory to make the final bridge.
- The abutment is removed while the dental laboratory makes the new bridge.
- Once the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist will place the implant abutment and attach the dental bridge, confirming the fit of the restoration.
- The bridge is secured with dental cement or small screws, this process is painless for the patient.
Because dental implants take several months to integrate with the bone, this type of dental bridge takes longer than other types of bridges.
VTA Dental Lab – Your Full-Service Dental Lab Partner
Whether your patient chooses a traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported bridge, it is important to choose a reputable dental laboratory that offers a full line of products and ensures the highest quality.
At VTA Dental Lab, we specialize in creating custom dental bridges with precision and expertise, offering tailored solutions for every patient’s needs. Trust VTA Dental Lab to deliver reliable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing dental restorations.
