Table of contents
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is designed to fill in the gap left by missing teeth. It can replace one tooth or a row of teeth. Some dental bridges are supported by implants and can replace an entire dental arch.
Traditionally, a bridge will have two crowns fitted over the teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth are called abutment teeth.
The crowns hold one or more pontics, which are artificial teeth that bridge the gap between them. The crowns are firmly bonded onto the abutment teeth, creating a restoration that is nonremovable.
Types of Dental Bridges
Several types of dental bridges are available and include:
- Traditional bridge.
- Cantilever bridge.
- Maryland bridge.
- Implant-supported bridge.
- Same-day bridge.
- Traditional Bridge
Most bridges are traditional bridges, where there is an abutment tooth on either side of the gap, so these teeth are reshaped and crowned. They support one or more pontics between them.
We will recommend a traditional bridge if you have healthy abutment teeth that are capable of supporting it.
- Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge only has an abutment tooth on one side of the gap. This pontic is cantilevered off the crown, so it has no support on one side.
We may recommend a cantilever bridge if you only have teeth suitable for support on one side of the gap. Sometimes, we may recommend using two abutment teeth on one side for added support and extra strength.
Due to their design, cantilever bridges are not as strong as traditional bridges and are therefore only used in specific circumstances. We would typically suggest this type of bridge if you need to replace a front tooth or a premolar that comes under less stress than a larger back tooth used for chewing.
- Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge is slightly different. Instead of crowns to support the bridge, it has wings made from metal or ceramic. These wings fit on the inner surfaces of the abutment teeth and are bonded in place, supporting the pontic between them.
We would only recommend a Maryland bridge in specific circumstances, such as replacing a small incisor that doesn’t come under the same types of chewing forces as back teeth. Due to their design, these bridges can sometimes become unbonded, and if this occurs, they must be professionally rebonded back into place.
- Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge functions similarly to a traditional bridge. However, crowns are fitted over dental implants, rather than natural teeth. A dental implant is a small screw surgically inserted into your jawbone that artificially replaces a tooth root.
This type of bridge takes longer to make and fit, but can be useful if you don’t have any abutment teeth suitable to support a traditional bridge.
- Same-Day Bridge
We can sometimes make and fit same-day dental bridges, but these are only used in certain circumstances and will not be suitable for everyone. For example, if you need a larger bridge to replace multiple teeth, it will almost certainly need to be custom-made in our dental laboratory. You will require a temporary bridge while it is being fabricated.
Who Needs a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is ideal in the following situations.
- When you have lost one or more teeth that were originally side by side.
- You have teeth that are strong and healthy enough to support a bridge or wish to use dental implants.
- You would like a nonremovable dental appliance as an alternative to dentures.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can provide several benefits, including the following.
- Restoring your appearance and ability to speak clearly.
- Providing good biting and chewing strength.
- Maintaining your facial structure.
- Protecting adjacent teeth by preventing them from shifting out of place.
Additionally, a dental bridge is a long-lasting solution that, with proper care, can last 10 years or more.
The Dental Bridge Procedure Step-By-Step
The general steps you can expect during treatment are outlined below, but may vary depending on the type of dental bridge you choose.
If you opt for an implant-supported bridge, you will find more information about implants in our dedicated treatment pages.
Step One: Consultation & Treatment Planning
An initial consultation will determine the type of bridge you need, as our dentist will consider several factors that include:
- The number of teeth missing.
- The condition of any abutment teeth.
- Your overall dental health.
- Your personal preference.
Based on this information, our dentist can provide a custom treatment plan, sharing which bridge they believe will best suit your needs.
At this stage, you will also need to consider the materials to make your bridge. For example, a dental bridge can have a metal substructure covered with porcelain or be made from a strong porcelain or zirconia material. Your choice can affect the cost of treatment.
Step Two: Preparing Your Abutment Teeth
Local anesthetic ensures you will remain comfortable while your teeth are being prepared. Our dentist carefully shapes the abutment teeth, removing just enough tooth structure so the crowns can fit properly and will look natural and attractive.
Step Three: Digital Dental Impression & Temporary Bridge Placement
When your teeth are prepared, we take a detailed digital dental impression using a small handheld scanner. A digital dental impression is much more accurate than a traditional tray impression and far more comfortable for our patients.
Once the digital scan is complete, our dentist will review it on the screen in your treatment room to ensure it is perfect.
A temporary bridge is fitted to protect your prepared teeth. It is only fixed with temporary cement, so it needs to be treated gently. You should try to avoid eating anything hard or sticky that could break or dislodge it.
You may not need a temporary bridge if you are receiving a same-day bridge that can be created and fitted within a few hours after your teeth are prepared.
Step Four: Custom Bridge Creation
Your custom bridge is created using your digital scan. We may transmit the scan to our dental lab, where they will make your bridge to our exact prescription.
Alternatively, we can make it on-site using our in-house milling machine. In this case, our dentist will design your bridge using special CAD/CAM software before it is milled in our dental office. Once ready, it is hand-finished and ready to fit, eliminating the need for a temporary restoration or a second visit.
Step Five: Permanent Bridge Placement
When your permanent bridge is ready, we will remove your temporary restoration, try in your new bridge, and check that it fits perfectly. Any minor adjustments are made before it is permanently bonded onto your teeth, completing your treatment. You would not need any dental anaesthesia for this appointment.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
It’s essential to take proper care of your dental bridge, as this will help prolong its lifespan. Before you leave our dental office, our dentist or hygienist can demonstrate how to clean around the bridge using special tools, such as floss threaders, to clean underneath each pontic.
Basic tips to follow include:
- Brush your bridge at least twice a day and floss every day, using the appropriate tools.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments so we can assess the condition of your bridge regularly and clean it professionally.
- Avoid chewing on extremely hard foods like ice cubes and oral habits like chewing your nails, pens, or pencils. As a general rule, if a habit can damage your natural teeth, it will likely also damage your dental bridge.
FAQs
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How Long Will a Dental Bridge Last?
Provided you care for it properly, you can expect your bridge to last 10 to 15 years.
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Will My Bridge Look Natural?
Every bridge we provide is custom-designed to look and feel natural, providing the right support for your cheeks and lips. Its shade will match your natural teeth, and each crown and pontic is created to be exactly the right shape, size, and contour to complement your appearance.
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Are Dental Bridges Covered by Insurance?
Replacing any missing tooth is important for oral health, so your insurance will likely meet at least part of the costs of a dental bridge. Contact your insurance provider for more information or talk to our friendly dental team.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th Street, 8th Floor, Suite 2
New York, NY 10017
(212) 810-9264