Crowns and Bridges

If you want to replace a missing tooth in your mouth, a dental bridge is a good option. A dental bridge consists of two crowns at the ends and replacement teeth in the middle. Your dentist will cement the crowns to the teeth on either side of the missing space.

You have a lot of options while choosing a bridge. Going for a full metal bridge made of metal alloys is one. But the color of your teeth will also be metallic. Porcelain or ceramic bridge will not have this problem. These bridges will look like your natural teeth. It also lasts for a long time.

Your dental bridge will have two artificial tooth crowns at either end. The dental surgeon fits these over the teeth that support the bridge or abutments. The replacement teeth or pontic will be in between the crowns. Your dentist will trim all surfaces of the abutments to make space for the crowns.

For getting a bridge, you will need to visit your dentist two or three times. In the first visit, your dentist will trim the teeth at either end of the missing space. The next step is to take the measurements of your mouth. You will have the new bridge in your mouth on the next visit. The two visits will have a gap of three to four days.

Types of dental bridges

There are different types of dental bridges, depending on the material used for making it. Some of the common types are

• Full metal bridges- The bridges will resemble natural teeth in appearance but will have a metallic color. These are highly durable and do not cause any allergy to the surrounding tissues.

If you are replacing teeth in the back of your mouth, this can be a good option. Gold, stainless steel, metal alloys like Vitallium, etc. are the usual choices.

• Ceramic bridges- These bridges resemble the natural teeth in color and appearance. It is ideal for replacing your front teeth as well as those in the back. The bridges will have an inner layer of metal and an outer one of ceramic. Apart from being durable, these bridges are non-allergic.

• Zirconia bridges- An advanced type of porcelain bridge, these will not have a metallic layer. It makes these very light in weight. These bridges will have a near-natural look and are ideal for replacing teeth in the front or back.

• Maryland bridges- In these bridges, there will not be any artificial crowns in the ends. Instead, there will be a frame of metal or ceramic that the dentist will attach to the teeth bordering the missing space

• Implant-supported bridges- If you have to replace many missing teeth, an implanted supported bridge will be a better option. Dental implants will be placed at either end of the missing space to support the bridge.

Dental Bridge Procedure

While going for a bridge, the first thing your dentist will look into is the total number of missing teeth.He/she will then check the remaining teeth in your mouth and the condition of your gums. It is to make sure that the teeth acting as supports are healthy and free of any decay.

If any decay is present, the dentist will treat it first so that you won’t have a problem later on.  Your dentist will like your teeth to be very strong before bridging.

If you have gum disease, the teeth in your mouth will show signs of mild shaking. It is because the gum disease spreads to the part of the jawbone surrounding the teeth. In that case, you will need treatment to strengthen your gums.

Once your dental surgeon feels that your teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge, the preparation will begin. He or she will use burs to scrape and trim all the surfaces of the supporting teeth. It will make space for the crown. The amount of trimming will depend on the type of bridge you will have.

Your dentist will then take measurements of your upper and lower teeth with impression trays. It is to create a model of your teeth. The model will be a replica of your teeth.

After taking measurements, your dentist will fit temporary crowns over the supporting teeth. It is to protect it till the next sitting. The whole procedure will take about one to one and a half hours.

You will come back to the dentist for the next visit after four to five days. By this time, your dental bridge will be ready. Your dentist will remove the temporary crowns as a first step.

The next step is to place the bridge. After putting it, the dentist will check for its fitting and also the way you bite with the bridge. If both are fine, the dentist will cement the crown over the supports. The cement used is an adhesive that does not react with saliva.

Benefits of dental bridges

A dental bridge resembles your natural teeth in appearance and function

You need not remove it during the night, like dentures. Bridges are longlasting and very strong. You can use it like your natural teeth to chew any food without any restrictions.

The bridges won come off from its place while talking or eating. You will not have to take any extra efforts to keep the bridge clean. Proper tooth brushing is enough to take care of it.

Even if your bridge comes off due to any reason, there is no need to worry. Your dentist will be able to fix it back in position without much effort.

Dental bridges- Aftercare

In the first two days, after getting your bridge, you will have to be careful while chewing. The adhesive cement that fixes the bridge needs a day or two to set completely. You should avoid very sticky and hard food during this time.

It would be best if you brushed your teeth twice a day. While brushing, you should clean the area between the teeth. This cleaning helps to prevent gum diseases. 

Though a bridge is strong, there are a few things you should avoid. Opening staple pins, bottle caps, etc. with your teeth that has the bridge, will cause it to break.

Problems you may have with dental bridges

• Chipping of the surface- Using your bridge for purposes other than chewing will cause chipping of the porcelain layer. Avoid using your teeth as a bottle opener, wire cutter, etc. If the porcelain chips, your dentist will be able to repair it, but it will take time.
• Fracture of the bridge- It is an infrequent occurrence and usually happens due to the very high load in the bridge than usual.
• Loosening of the bridge- At times, your bridge may come off from its position. Biting into sticky foods is the most common cause. So avoid using chewing gums and the like regularly. 
• Shaking of the supporting teeth- It usually happens due to gum disease. Keeping your mouth clean is a simple step that helps you avoid this.

Periodic cleaning of your teeth by your dentist will keep your gums and teeth in excellent condition. If you have diabetes, you should take extra care to keep your gums healthy