Missing teeth can not only cause discomfort during a conversation, but also adversely affect the appearance of your smile. Moreover, the absence of such bone formations in the oral cavity causes the adjacent teeth to shift, bite changes, as well as jaw joint disorders and an increase in the risk of caries and periodontal disease.
What are bridges?
Dental bridges are often used in dentistry to replace missing teeth. Currently, there are several types of implants, which we will discuss in detail below.
Metal dental bridges with ceramic surface
This type of bridge is the most popular among all the others. For their production, special metal-ceramic crowns are used. Their base is made of metal, and the visible upper part is made of ceramic. These materials give the prosthesis an aesthetic appearance and a snow-white smile, as well as amazing durability.
Metal-plastic prostheses
This dental bridge is a cheaper option than the previous one. There is metal at the base of the presented dental crowns, and plastic at the top. Despite such inexpensive materials, this type of prosthesis is in no way inferior to metal-ceramic ones in terms of strength and durability.
Adhesive bridges
These dentures are attached to the back of the teeth using special composite materials.
Locked prostheses
Such a dental bridge belongs to conditionally removable dentures, because in case of urgent need it can be easily removed without any damage to the structure itself. By the way, for installation, these crowns have special fasteners in the form of locks.
Benefits of bridges
Practically every dentist recommends that his patient install a dental bridge. Reviews of these designs are mostly positive. For example, those who have used such prostheses note that:
- when properly installed, they never cause discomfort or any inconvenience;
- this design has quite high strength and aesthetic qualities;
- you get used to them very quickly (already in the first few days after installation);
- they perfectly hide any gaps formed by several or one extracted tooth;
- these bridges do not require much attention, as they are very easy to care for.
Disadvantages of bridgesdentures
Along with the advantages, a dental bridge also has a number of disadvantages. Among them, the need to grind adjacent and often he althy teeth should be highlighted. This is due to the fact that such a structure requires support. Of course, to avoid this procedure, you can apply the adhesive method of fastening. But unlike others, it is not very reliable.
Prior consultation and treatment planning
Once you and your doctor (dentist) have decided which prosthesis can best replace missing teeth, the doctor must provide you with a wide choice of materials from which the dental bridge will be made. Reviews of the combination of ceramic and metal are most positive among those who have ever used them or still use them. In addition, prostheses can be made from ordinary metal, gold, porcelain, as well as from special high-strength materials (for example, the aforementioned zirconia ceramics or aluminum oxide).
So, the installation of dental bridges consists of several stages:
- Diagnosis of the dentition and jaw condition.
- Treatment of gums and teeth (if necessary).
- Pain relief of all tissues.
- Preparation or grinding of supporting teeth for crowns (approximately 1.5-1.7 millimeters).
- Removal of casts and x-rays not only from supporting bone formations, but also from another dentition. This is necessary in order for the dental technician to create the perfect prosthesis, taking into account the bite andjaw structure.
- The process of making a plaster model of a dental bridge for preliminary fitting.
- Counseling about the choice of the color of the prosthesis. It is worth noting that ceramic crowns can be matched as closely as possible to the shade of natural teeth.
- The process of making a temporary bridge. This prosthesis is necessary in order to protect the treated teeth from all external irritants.
- Making a permanent prosthesis.
- Installation of a dental bridge in the dental office and the process of its cementation.
Required post-denture care
As a rule, after the dentist completes the dental bridge procedure, he provides his patient with all the necessary information on how to care for the crown. After all, personal hygiene is a guarantee that your bridge will retain all its characteristics (strength, whiteness) and last as long as possible. Also, proper oral care will help to avoid new problems with the gums and he althy teeth.
Thus, flossing and a special floss holder will allow you to properly and thoroughly clean the areas that surround your bridge, and between the intermediate teeth of the prosthesis itself. Use this hygiene product every day, especially after meals. This will prevent the buildup of bacteria and tartar. Among other things, you should definitely brush your teeth twice a day (morning and evening)fluoride paste. In this case, it is advisable to use a brush of medium or high stiffness.
What makes up the cost of dentures?
The price of a dental bridge can be quite high. However, you can choose a cheaper option. So, the cost of crowns is based on factors such as:
- use of additional procedures in the future (depulpation or dental filling);
- professionalism and qualifications of a laboratory assistant and dentist;
- location of the selected clinic;
- type of materials used to create the bridge;
- preliminary preparation of teeth and the installation process itself.
It should be noted that today the cost of dental bridges varies between 15-45 thousand rubles. But if you keep your oral hygiene and check twice a year at the dentist, then your dentures can serve you for quite a long time, which will save a significant amount of your budget.
