Dental bridges are fitted different and depending on the type of bridge you have fitted; they can even replace your molars. That’s the teeth you use for chewing through tough foods so if you’re replacing a tooth used for eating; you definitely need something strong.
The cost of the three unit (three teeth) standard porcelain bridge in our clinics in Krakow start from the equivalent of 660 British Pounds. The same three unit bridge in London for instance costs 1650 Pounds.
Other important thing is that our dental laboratory in Poland is able to produce such a bridge within 4-5 working days, which means that on one trip to Krakow the bridge can be completed from start to finish.
The strongest type of dental bridge
Not surprisingly, the strongest bridge type is the traditional bridge, and that’s because they’re held in place by two supporting teeth – one either side of the missing tooth. A fake tooth is attached to two crowns, and a dentist will need to prepare the two surrounding teeth to make room for the crowns to fit. This is done by filing down some of your natural teeth enamel on the surrounding teeth so that crowns can be fitted over them. So, you will need healthy strong teeth on both sides of the tooth that’s being replaced. A dentist will take a mouth impression so that a dental lab can make you a custom bridge to fit the exact measurements of the gap that’s to be filled with the abutments (supporting neighbouring teeth) having the right thickness of crowns so that the bridge slides easily into place.
Once fitted, it can be permanently cemented into place, but that’s usually done after a waiting period to make sure that the bridge does indeed fit and that it’s not fitted too tight that it makes it uncomfortable or even painful to eat.
If there’s only one healthy tooth surrounding the gap that you need to be filled, a cantilever bridge can be used. Like the traditional dental bridge, the process is the same with the only difference being that only one strong and healthy tooth is needed to support the fake one. Instead of two crowns and a fake tooth, only one crown is used over a strong, healthy tooth and a fake tooth attached to that.
The dental bridge with no crowns needed
A way around having your natural teeth enamel filed down to have a crown fit over it supporting a fake tooth is to use a Maryland Bridge. It’s an alternative that uses a framework (plastic or metal) that fixes to the back of neighbouring teeth. The gap is still filled without any filing of your natural teeth needed, but there is a drawback, and that’s in the strength of the Maryland Bridge.
When subjected to a strong bite force, they might not stay in place. If you’re considering this option, a dentist will usually assess your bite first because this type of bridge isn’t recommended for those with a crossbite or those with a tendency to grind their teeth as they aren’t as strong as other types of bridges. They are more affordable but how long they last will be determined by how strong a bite force they’re subjected to.
The best dental bridge material for replacing front teeth
A number of materials can be used for dental bridges and other supporting treatments to replace missing teeth. Some are strong plastic composites; others are metals and precious metals. The type of material used is best decided based on where the bridge is being placed because placements play a role in how the bridge will be used.
Generally, for replacing molar teeth, the stronger the material, the better, because those are going to be subjected to regular use for chewing your foods, whereas on your front teeth, you’re not going to use them for eating as much. For front teeth, porcelain bridges can closer resemble your natural teeth, making it possible to achieve a natural-looking smile with full-colour matching to your natural teeth enamel. For molars around the side of your mouth, colour matching isn’t as important as strength because those are for functional purposes and not solely cosmetic. Plus, there’s the added advantage that it fills the gap preventing neighbouring teeth from shifting. When gaps in your teeth aren’t filled, your natural teeth can move, and that can alter your jawline contours.
For that reason, whenever you lose a tooth, it’s best to talk to your dentist about possible treatments to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges are just one option.
Questions on dentistry bridges