Our teeth sometimes need a special treatment to make them look good. Are you suffering from gaps in teeth? This is actually quite common. And many people go through such a condition at some point in life.
But the good news is- you can have it treated. One such way is what we call having dental bridgework done. This means your missing teeth will be taken care of.
When you have a missing tooth or teeth even, what your dentist will be doing is providing a closing or even a bridge to take care of the gaps in between your teeth.
The focus is that there can be many issues which are causing you to suffer from dental gaps. But here’s the good news- these dental gaps can be well-taken care of.
In this article I will be talking in detail and highlighting what you need to know when it comes to getting dental bridgework done. How is it benefiting for you. Also how does it rank against simple dental implants.
So let’s start:
Having gaps in teeth?
Missing teeth is a major problem. It is more so when you are missing teeth in the front. This is when dental bridges come in and help. They will help in restoring the look as well as the functioning of your teeth.
Gaps in teeth is something that can happen at any stage. It is not necessary that it takes place only in adults. Neither is it uncommon to see children facing such issues.
Aside from the functioning aspect, if you are suffering from gaps in teeth, it also takes a major hit on your confidence level. It will make you feel conscious. And your self-esteem is also impacted.
So now let’s look into how bridgeworks really work.
Who Needs It?
Dental bridges are necessary when you are having missing teeth. It is common in many people. And can happen due to several reasons.
This includes if you are suffering from tooth decay, gum diseases as well as any dental injuries.
In certain cases, it may be happening because you are born with such a condition which leads to having major gaps in teeth form.
You need dental bridges because your teeth need to work properly in perfect sync. If there is a tooth missing, or there is empty space, then your teeth in upper and lower jaw move in empty spaces. This leads to major problems in your teeth.
Problems with Gaps in Teeth
When you have missing teeth or gaps in teeth, it can lead to several complications. Among these, some of these are:
- Bite problems can arise
- You might suffer from chewing issues
- There is some pain which can cause you to suffer from extra stress on your teeth as well as your jaw
- You will also face issues of self-consciousness
- It impacts your self-esteem, making you very aware of how you look
- This will make you suffer from carrying even simple tasks of the day
How Does It Look Like?
When we talk about dental bridges, there are certain ways in which it looks. A dental bridge typically takes care of the following things:
Adapting Abutment Teeth
This is basically when your dental expert is going to be placing two crowns on the teeth. It does so on either side of the gap. These are actually quite strong. They support the teeth. And can be called as natural teeth or you can consider them as dental implants.
This treatment is very effective. It allows for your jawline to be strong. And for the teeth to be properly placed and aligned strongly.
Pontics
This basically relates to having false teeth. It is either a single tooth or even teeth which are filling the gaps. It is a way in which you are basically filling those gaps. And you do so by attaching the crowns to it.
Now let’s look into the kind of dental bridges you can make use:
Types of Dental Bridges
There are different kinds of dental bridges which you can make use of. All of them have different functions and your teeth may be suiting to one kind as compared to another.
So here they are:
Traditional Fixed Bridge
So this is a kind which is the most common one. In this one, there are basically two or even more crowns which are used.
Also there is a filler tooth which is connected. The crowns are needed as they will be connecting the teeth with the filler on in a proper manner.
These crowns are essential as they will be keeping the bridges in place. When we look into how these traditional bridges are made, there are several materials which come into play. This will include metal, ceramics, among other types.
Cantilever Bridge
This kind of bridge is one which basically aims to connect pontic to abutment tooth. It is an option for people who are having teeth on only one side of the gap. It works really well in such cases. And ensures your teeth are well-aligned.
This procedure can cause certain complications but it is highly advanced and many patients swear by its immaculate results. Speak to your doctor to know if it is beneficial for you.
Maryland dental bridges
This is the type of bridge which you will get if you are having missing teeth. In some cases, it is made up of porcelain which is basically fused into the metal and ceramic teeth. This structure is then well protected with a strong framework.
There are also wings on either side of the bridge. This works well as it is aiming to bond to your existing teeth.
Supported Bridges
This is basically relating to creating a traditional fixed bridge. However it is one which is being cemented in placement of teeth. It is held in place by making use of these kinds of implants. Many people consider this kind of dental implantation as it gives major results in no time.
Also you need to see what is suiting to your teeth structure. In some certain cases, there may be one kind of bridges which are more suiting as compared to others. You need to weigh in and decide on your option, depending on the kind of results you want.
Whatever the case may be, it is wise to consult your dentist to know which are the best options for you, depending on your case and the amount you can incur.
Now let’s hit on how expensive can this get:
How Much Will It Cost?
As it turns out, there are several variables that come into play here when working out how expensive can this treatment get:
The following factors should be properly considered in determining if you should opt for this kind of treatment or not:
- Number of teeth which need filling. If there are many, then your dental expert will decide what kind of dental bridges you need
- The cost will also heavily rely on the materials you will be using. This means you can make use of composite resin, zirconia or even metal alloy. And this is how the material decision impacts how it will come on your pocket
- There can be certain complexity or even difficulty which you have to overcome when deciding on getting dental bridges
- In certain cases, your case would require that you opt for even some additional treatments. And this can include going for some kind of disease treatments.
- Lastly where you are based can make an impact. Your geographic location is a deciding factor when looking into how much dental bridges is going to cost you.
And now, let’s do a quick comparison between dental bridges and dental implants. Many people get confused over which is the better option.
I want to give you a quick overview. So you can make a wise decision yourself:
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
So as it turns out, dental bridges cannot be considered as being permanent. You will be needing to have them replaced every 5 to 15 years. Whereas dental implants is something which can be considered as a permanent option.
When talking about the kind of factors which we need to consider when looking into adapting bridges treatment is how long will it take, the kind of supportive benefits from your healthcare expert, how often you will need it and keeping in mind the dental hygiene aspect of it too.
Outlook
When it comes to missing teeth and gaps in teeth, you can opt for a treatment from several options. There are several benefits to making use of bridges over other options.
This article was giving you an overview on how you can restore that Hollywood smile. This is by ensuring you are getting a treatment which will maintain the shape of your face. And it also helps in re-adjusting your bite. And allowing you to chew properly.
Dental bridgework has been gaining momentum recently. It is a precise procedure which gives amazing results and allows you to look great and healthy in no time!