Are you missing multiple teeth and considering a dental bridge near you to restore your smile?
Dental bridges are a common and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, but you may wonder how many teeth you can have on a bridge. Read on to learn more about this particular treatment.
What is a Dental Bridge Exactly?
A dental bridge can be used to substitute one or more missing teeth. Pontics, prosthetic teeth, are attached to tooth crowns on either side of the gap. Dental crowns are placed on nearby natural teeth or dental implants to cover the gap left by missing teeth and serve as anchors. The “bridge” of pontics closes the gap and restores the appearance and functionality of the missing teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridge
Traditional dental bridges are the most common and can replace one or more adjacent missing teeth. One or more pontics supported by dental crowns on either side make up a conventional dental bridge.
Implant-supported dental bridge
If you are missing several teeth in a row, our dentist in North Edmonton may advise an implant-supported dental bridge. Instead of using natural teeth as anchors, an implant-supported dental bridge is anchored by dental implants.
Cantilever bridge
If only one tooth is accessible to support the bridge, a cantilever bridge may be recommended. Like a conventional dental bridge, a cantilever bridge only needs one dental crown to anchor the pontic on one side.
Maryland bonded bridge
A Maryland bonded bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework as an anchor rather than dental crowns, but it still has the same basic structure as a traditional bridge. This framework can be connected to the back without modifying the teeth adjacent to it.
The Bridge Replacement Process
There are several steps in the bridge replacement procedure, usually completed over multiple dental visits. Here is a basic summary of the process.
Consultation and examination
The first step in getting a dental bridge replacement is to schedule a consultation with our dentist near you. During this appointment, our dentist will examine your oral health, including the condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap left by the missing teeth, the health of your gums, and the alignment of your bite. X-rays or other imaging may also assess the underlying bone structure.
Preparing the teeth
If you get a traditional dental bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap will be prepared to receive dental crowns. This involves removing a small portion of the enamel to create space for the dental crowns. If you are getting an implant-supported bridge, the dental implants will be surgically placed into the jawbone in a separate procedure, and a healing period will be allowed for the implants to fuse with the bone.
Dental impressions
Our dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums following the preparation of your teeth or their placement of implants. These impressions will be used to make a dental bridge that is made specifically for you and fits your mouth precisely.
Bridge fabrication
The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate your dental bridge according to the specifications provided by our dentist. This process may take a few weeks.
Placement of the bridge
After adjustment and authorization, the dental bridge will be permanently attached to the dental implants. Our dentist will use dental cement or another adhesive to hold the bridge in position. Our dentist will remove excess cement, examine your bite, and ensure the bridge is comfortable in your mouth.
If you want to keep your dental bridge healthy and functional for a long time, you should practice good oral care habits, which include routine brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. A dental bridge can replace missing teeth for you in a functional and aesthetically pleasing way. With appropriate care, it can last for many years.
Are Tooth Bridges Permanent?
Dental bridges that are cemented in place rather than removable are considered permanent. Regarding aesthetics, fixed bridges are nearly similar to adjacent teeth in terms of durability and reliability.
Fixed bridges can last 5 to 15 years, occasionally even longer, if home care and personal hygiene are followed up consistently. If other bridges are properly maintained, they can last between 5 and 7 years.
Regular professional cleanings, good oral hygiene practices, and occasionally specialized care influence a dental bridge’s lifespan. Your dental bridge will last much longer if you establish these practices early on.
The type of bridge you select will determine how many teeth can be supported. A cantilever bridge can have three teeth, but only one is an abutment tooth, whereas a traditional bridge can have a limit of three teeth in a row. Depending on the number of dental implants placed, an implant-supported bridge can replace several teeth, while a Maryland bridge can have one or two pontics.
Please Book A Consultation With Our Dentist in North Edmonton!
Before you go ahead and have any official dental work done, it’s best to discuss your preferences with a dental professional. If you’re interested in a dental bridge specifically, talk to our dentist about the optimal number of teeth that can be included in your bridge based on your oral health and structural considerations. With the advancements in modern dentistry, dental bridges in North Edmonton can provide a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile.
Don’t let missing teeth affect your oral health and quality of life – explore the options of dental bridges with our dentist today! Visit Beverly Heights Dental and schedule a consultation today!
