For those missing teeth, a dental bridge consultation can be a real game-changer. It doesn’t just make your teeth work better, it also makes them look better. But getting a dental bridge isn’t something you should do on your own. It’s a journey that needs careful thought and expert help.
This guide is here to help you understand why it’s important to talk to a dentist before getting a dental bridge. It’s the first step to making sure your mouth is healthy and your smile is confident. We’ll start with the basics of dental bridges and then move on to what to expect during a dental bridge consultation.
Let’s explore together how dental bridges can do more than just fix teeth; they can transform smiles.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth. It can fill in the gap for one tooth or several missing teeth in a row, just like a bridge connecting two sides. Dentists make customized bridges that look like your natural teeth.
A dental bridge has different parts:
-
Abutments
These are the supports for the dental bridge. Usually, they are your natural teeth, but they can also be tiny connector posts for bridges supported by dental implants.
-
Pontics
These are the fake teeth that are put in the gap left by the missing ones.
It depends on your teeth and the kind of bridge, you might have a few support teeth (abutments) and fake teeth (pontics).
Four Main Types Of Dental Bridges
We provide four main types of dental bridges in London, Ontario, and our goal is to make them affordable for our clients:
- Cantilever bridges
- Traditional dental bridges
- Implant-supported bridges
- Maryland Bridges
Dental Bridge Procedure
Wondering what happens during a dental bridge procedure? Well, it depends on the type of bridge you’re getting:
Traditional Or Cantilever Bridge
- Your dentist makes sure you’re comfortable by giving you local anesthesia.
- They reshape your abutment teeth (the natural ones supporting the bridge) by removing some enamel. This step is permanent.
- Dental impressions are taken and sent to a lab, where a technician creates your final bridge.
- A temporary bridge is placed until the lab finishes your actual bridge, which usually takes about two to four weeks.
- On your second visit, once the final bridge is ready, your dentist will:
- Removes the temporary bridge.
- Check the fit of your new bridge.
- Attach (sticks) your new dental bridge securely.
Some dentists use fancy technology (CAD/CAM) to make custom bridges in their offices during one visit.
Maryland Bridge Procedure
If you’re getting a Maryland bridge, here’s what your dentist will do:
Prepare Your Teeth
Get your teeth ready for the metal wings.
Dental Impressions
Get images of your teeth and send them to a lab. A person there will use them to make your last dental bridge.
Second Office Visit
- Once your bridge is ready, your dentist will schedule another visit.
- During this visit, they will:
- Try on your new Maryland bridge to make sure it fits well.
- Apply a special solution (dental etch) to the back of your neighboring teeth (abutment teeth) to help the dental cement stick.
- Attach the wings of the Maryland bridge to the backs of your abutment teeth using dental resin cement.
Implant-Supported Bridge
If you’re getting an implant-supported bridge, it involves a few office visits, including one with surgery. Here’s what happens:
First Appointment
The dentist, gum specialist, or tooth surgeon will:
- Numb your mouth with anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
- Place dental implants into your jaw during surgery.
Healing Time
After the surgery, your implants need time to heal and fuse with your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration.
On average, it takes three to six months for this healing, but it might take longer depending on your situation.
After Your Dental Implants Have Joined Together (Fused), Your Dentist Will
- Add small posts called impression copings to your implants and take pictures of your teeth. These posts stick out a bit from your gums.
- Take pictures of your teeth with the copings on them and send them to a dental lab.
- While the lab makes your new bridge supported by implants, the dentist will remove the abutments.
When Your Final Implant-Supported Bridge Is Ready, Your Dentist Will
- Put the implant abutments and attached bridge onto your dental implants to check if they fit.
- Secure the bridge in place. This might involve using dental cement or tiny screws, but it shouldn’t be painful.
- Because it takes a few months for dental implants to join with your jaw, getting implant-supported bridges takes longer than some other kinds of bridges.
Benefits Of Dental Bridges
- Provide a natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
- Restore the ability to chew and speak properly (missing teeth can make eating or talking challenging).
- Prevent nearby teeth from moving into the space left by missing teeth.
Dental Bridge Cost In Ontario
Dental bridge cost Ontario and implant costs in Ontario both vary.
A dental bridge fills gaps in missing teeth, on the other hand, implants repair teeth that are missing, crooked, or decayed.
In Ontario, dental bridges are usually less expensive, their cost ranges from $500 to $1200.
If you are from London, Ontario, there are many sites for dental bridge consultations near me.
Conclusion
Dental bridges, also having types such as cantilever, traditional, implant-supported, and Maryland bridges, provide suitable solutions for missing teeth with different procedures.
In Ontario, dental bridges are usually less expensive.
If you’re in London, there are many places for dental bridge consultations nearby.
All dental clinics are a great choice for you because many clinics offer affordable dental bridge services. aim to give top-notch dental care that fits our clients’ needs and budgets.
FAQs:
What Age Is Best For A Dental Bridge?
Most dentists don’t recommend dental bridges for people under 17 or 18, but there are exceptions. For instance, if a child loses a permanent tooth, a dentist might use a Maryland bridge. However, other options, like a temporary partial denture, sometimes called a “flipper,” might work better.
How Many Teeth Can A Bridge Replace?
Usually, a dental bridge replaces one to three teeth in a row. Sometimes, it can replace up to four consecutive teeth. Longer bridges need more support, so if you’re replacing four teeth, you need healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
When Should You Get A Dental Bridge?
It is necessary to replace missing teeth early to prevent other teeth from moving. If you need tooth extraction first, you have to wait a few months for your bones and gums to heal.
Is Getting A Dental Bridge Painful?
No, getting a dental bridge isn’t painful. Your dentist uses local anesthesia to numb your gums before initiating the procedure.
Do Dental Bridges Look Real?
It might take time to get used to a new dental bridge, but with time, it will feel like your natural teeth, which seems like having a new ring on your finger.
Can A Dental Bridge Be Taken Out And Put Back?
If your bridge is loose, it is easy to remove and reattach. However, if it needs to be removed for some reason, like treatment of gum disease or tooth decay, then it may break, and you might need a new dental bridge.
