How to know if a dental bridge is right for you

How to know if a dental bridge is right for you

According to the Oral Health Foundation, 74% of UK adults have had at least one tooth removed. Missing teeth aren’t just a cosmetic problem. They can affect eating, speaking and even the health of surrounding teeth. If you’ve been looking at ways to restore missing teeth, a dental bridge is a common treatment. But is it right for you? Let’s look at what a bridge does, who it best suits and the alternatives your dentist may recommend.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics). These are held in place by dental crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth are called abutment teeth. Think of it like a bridge over a river. The banks on either side support the bridge structure. Your natural teeth support the artificial replacement teeth.

How does it work?

The bridge fills the empty space left by missing teeth. It restores both the appearance of function of the natural teeth. The artificial teeth are custom-made to match the colour, shape and size of your natural teeth. This makes the bridge virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth.

The fitting process typically takes two appointments. The first is about preparing the abutment teeth. A small amount of enamel is removed to make room for the crowns. Impressions of your teeth are then taken to create a custom bridge. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth while the permanent one is being made.

In the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent one is checked for fit and bite. Once it’s perfect, it’s permanently cemented into place.

Good candidates for a dental bridge

A dental bridge is not suitable for everyone. They are specifically designed to replace missing teeth, whether you’ve lost a single tooth or several consecutive teeth. They work best when replacing up to four teeth in a row. The exact number, though, depends on the strength and position of the supporting teeth.

The missing teeth could be from various causes, including:

• Tooth extraction due to decay or damage.
• Injury or trauma.
• Advanced gum disease.
• Congenital absence (teeth that never developed).

Healthy Supporting Teeth

Strong, healthy teeth on either side of the gap are essential for a successful bridge. These abutment teeth must be able to support the additional load of the artificial teeth. Your dentist will assess:

• Tooth structure. The supporting teeth should have sufficient healthy tooth structure remaining.
• Root strength. Strong, well-anchored roots are crucial.
• Position. The supporting teeth should be properly positioned to provide optimal support.
• Previous dental work. Teeth with large fillings or previous root canal treatment can still support a bridge if they’re structurally sound.

Good General and Oral Health

Your overall health significantly impacts the success of dental bridges. Good candidates need:

• Healthy gums with no active gum disease or inflammation that could compromise the bridge’s foundation.
• Good oral hygiene habits and the ability and commitment to maintain excellent daily oral care.
• Adequate bone support around the supporting teeth.
• No untreated dental issues. These should be addressed first.
• Overall good health with no conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or medications that could affect healing.

A Non-Removable Option

Dental bridges are permanent, but are cemented in place. This makes them ideal for people who want the convenience of fixed teeth that feel natural. If you prefer not to remove your replacement teeth for cleaning, you’ll likely prefer a bridge. You don’t need to soak them, for example. It also means you can eat and speak confidently without having worries about movement. These are seen as a long-term solution.

When a dental bridge might not be suitable

While many people are good candidates for getting a dental bridge, some situations may require an alternative.

Firstly, if the teeth adjacent to the bridge location/gap are weak, decayed or missing, it might mean a bridge isn’t possible. Also, if there’s active gum disease, this must be properly treated and controlled too.

Heavy teeth grinders may also need protective measures or alternative treatments due to the pressure this could put upon a bridge.

Finally, young patients whose teeth and jaws are still developing won’t be able to have a bridge.

Alternatives to dental bridges

While dental bridges are an excellent solution for many patients, they’re not the only way to replace missing teeth. Here are some alternatives:

Dental Implants

These are often considered to be the most advanced and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone. This is topped with a crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

• They’re the most permanent solution and can last a lifetime with proper care.
• They preserve jawbone health because the implant stimulated bone growth, preventing bone loss.
• Adjacent teeth aren’t affected or altered.
• They’re easy to maintain and clean like natural teeth.
• There are no dietary restrictions.

When Implants May Be Better Than Bridges

Implants may be better than bridges if the teeth adjacent to the gap are completely healthy and have no fillings or crowns. They may also be better if you have non-consecutive missing teeth. Also, they often prove more cost-effective over time as they’re more of a long-term investment.

Requirements and Considerations

For an implant instead of a bridge, you’ll need:

• Good bone density to support the implant.
• Healthy gums.
• General good health.

You’ll also need to be aware of the higher upfront cost and the fact that the treatment is more invasive and takes several months to complete.

Partial Dentures

These are removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth. They have replacement teeth attached to a gum-coloured base, often with metal clasps that hook onto your natural teeth for stability.

These may me preferable if you have multiple missing teeth, weaker adjacent teeth or bone loss. They’re also cheaper and reversible as a treatment.

There are different types of partial dentures:

• Conventional partial dentures use metal clasps for retention.
• Precision attachment partials are more aesthetic and use hidden attachments instead of visible clasps.
• Flexible partial dentures are more comfortable and are made from aesthetic materials.

The Advantages of Partial Dentures

• They’re cost effective and usually the least expensive option available.
• They’re non-invasive. There is no surgery or permanent alteration of teeth required.
• They can be repaired or adjusted.
• They’re suitable for multiple missing teeth in different areas.

Considerations

• Since they’re removable, they must be taken out for cleaning and taken out overnight.
• It may take time to get used to speaking and eating.
• They require regular maintenance and periodic adjustments.
• They have potential for movement. They may shift slightly when you eat or speak.
• They need replacing around every 5 to 8 years.

Doing Nothing (which isn’t usually recommended)

Some patients consider leaving the gap from missing teeth unfilled. This approach typically leads to significant long-term problems that are more complex and expensive to address later.

If you don’t replace a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth gradually shift into the empty space. This can cause the adjacent teeth to tilt or the teeth opposite the cap to grow longer, seeking contact. As teeth shift, they can overlap and become crooked. There may also be spacing issues as new gaps may form between the other teeth.

Missing teeth can also disrupt your natural bite pattern. You could have uneven chewing forces that wear down your remaining teeth. You may also experience jaw joint problems from altered bite alignment (a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD) .

Leaving a gap can also lead to bone loss. Without a tooth root in place to stimulate the jawbone, it gradually shrinks. This can cause a sunken facial appearance. And it also means later tooth replacement is more difficult and expensive.

There are times when ‘doing nothing’ might be temporarily acceptable. Wisdom teeth, for example, are often fine to leave unreplaced.

Is a dental bridge right for you?

A dental bridge can be an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. Deciding whether it’s the right choice for you requires careful consideration of your individual circumstances. Every mouth is unique. What works perfectly for one patient may not be the ideal solution for another.

It Depends on Your Mouth

Your oral anatomy plays a crucial role in determining whether a dental bridge is suitable for you. Several factors need to be considered:

• The condition of your adjacent teeth. The teeth either side of the gap are the foundation of the bridge. These teeth need to have healthy roots, be free from decay or gum disease and be properly positioned to provide adequate support. If they’re weak or have issues, they might not be able to support a bridge.
• Your gum health. The gums need to be free from inflammation and infection. They must be able to support the bridge structure.
• Your bite pattern. If you grind, clench or have an uneven bite, you might not be successful with a bridge. Or it might mean additional protective measures are needed.
• The size and location of the gap. Very large gaps may require an alternative solution.
• Your goals. Whether aesthetic or functional, you’ll need to weigh up your long-term expectations alongside your lifestyle considerations.

Though your preferences and goals are important, your dentist’s expertise is crucial in determining what the best approach is for your case. Ready to find out if a dental bridge is right for you? Contact us today or call 0161 437 2029 to schedule a comprehensive consultation and take the first step to getting a restored smile.

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