What are dental bridges?
Whatever construction is used to replace a missing tooth is called a dental bridge.Teeth are sometimes lost as a result of an accident or of a dental extraction. This bridge, which attaches to the teeth on either side of the gap, is simply a false tooth. These teeth are abutments, like those on a road bridge. The false tooth or teeth used to fill the gap are called pontics. Attached to these abutment teeth are crowns which form the anchor for the bridge. The pontics are made of gold, porcelain, alloys or a combination of any of these.
When are bridges needed?
You may need a bridge for either cosmetic or clinical reasons. Either way, you should find that a good dental insurance plan will cover the cost of your treatment. Irregular dentition can be embarrassing and stressful. Any embarrassment felt by having a gap can be eliminated by a dental bridge. When your dentist has to remove a decaying tooth he may suggest a bridge to fill the gap. Not only will correct teeth alignment be maintained by bridging but also any stress on the surrounding teeth will be reduced. The teeth surrounding a gap in the gum line, as well as the gum itself, can decay if the gap remains untreated. A further effect would be teeth gradually moving into the gap, causing stress on the teeth, the gums and to some degree, the jaw.
The main types of dental bridge - what are they?
Dental bridges come in three forms: traditional bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and cantilever bridges.
Traditional bridges.A replacement tooth fits into the gap and is bridged to crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. Ceramic or porcelain is used for this, the most common type of bridge.
Maryland bonded bridges.This type of bridge uses plastic teeth and gum, supported by a metal framework and bonded to existing teeth on either side of the bridge using metal wings.
Cantilever bridges.These are similar to traditional bridges but are bonded only to supporting teeth on one side of the gap.
How do people benefit from dental bridges?
Bridges ensure alignment of the existing teeth and restore the ability to chew properly. Incorrect tooth alignment leads to incorrect jaw alignment, which may result in long-term headaches and neck ache. Missing teeth can cause speech impediments or slurred speech. Bridges help maintain your smile and maintain the shape of your face.
What's it going to cost?
Your bridge and thus the integrity of your jaw will last for over fifteen years provided you undergo regular check-ups and maintain a good standard of oral hygiene. Failure to have necessary dental treatment carried out will ultimately be far more costly than having a bridge fitted. The final bill will be decided by several factors. Factors to consider include: the size of the gap, what type of bridge is to be used, and your geographical location. If you think that bridges may be an option for you at some time in the future, it's a good idea to compare dental insurance providers and their policies to make sure that you are eligible. Depending on the type of plan you have, your UK dental insurance plan should pay a large percentage of the cost towards your bridges.
