Bridge
Teeth can be lost for a variety of reasons, such as accidents, gum disease, infections, and more. If the tooth is important, either aesthetically or to support chewing, a way to replace the missing tooth needs to be found. The choice of treatment depends on the environment the tooth was in, such as whether there are teeth on either side of the gap and what condition they are in.
What is a bridge?
A bridge is when crowns are built over teeth on either side of a toothless gap, and a dental crown is placed between them to fill the toothless gap. These three units are fixed together in one piece. The teeth on which the crowns are placed are called abutments, and the tooth in the gap is called a pontic. The bridge is glued to the abutments and is fixed there. The bridge cannot be removed from the mouth.
A bridge can also span multiple gaps and be attached to multiple abutments, and there can be multiple pontics in one bridge.
When there are teeth on either side of an edentulous space, their condition must be assessed and whether they are good abutments for a bridge. If the teeth are healthy and do not need crowns, it must be assessed whether it is better to place a dental implant in the edentulous space rather than building a bridge.
What are the advantages of a bridge?
- The treatment usually takes a short time, for example when compared to getting a dental implant
- Looks natural and normal
- Often provides good support if teeth are loose
- Is fixed in the mouth
What are the disadvantages of getting a bridge?
- Teeth on either side of an edentulous space must be filed to build a bridge. This can be a disadvantage if the teeth are relatively healthy.
- The teeth in the bridge are stuck together and can be difficult to keep clean. It is not possible to floss between the teeth in a bridge.
What material is used in a bridge?
There are several materials that are most common when building a bridge. The choice of material depends on the size and length of the bridge and how much strength is needed in the material. Zirconia is a mineral that has strength comparable to metal and is often used in bridges. In some cases, it is more suitable to make a bridge from metal on which porcelain is fired to make it tooth-colored. The dentist assesses which material is most suitable in each case based on strength and appearance. All bridges built on teeth are tooth-colored and have a natural appearance.
How to care for the bridge?
The bridge needs to be brushed like other teeth. Since the abutment teeth are underneath, leakage and damage can occur if dirt is allowed to accumulate at the joints. It is not possible to floss between the teeth because they are stuck together. It is recommended to use a small brush, an interdental brush, to get under the bridge by the abutments. There is also a special dental floss with a stiff end that can be threaded under. Your dentist will give you advice on how best to care for your bridge.
How much does a bridge cost?
A bridge is made up of two or more crowns and one or more pontics. You can see an example of the price of each piece in our price list. Your dentist can give you a cost estimate before the treatment begins and an estimate is often made for larger works. Health insurance pays 75% of the cost of one crown per 12-month period for the elderly and disabled.
Do you have a gap without teeth? Could a bridge be the solution for you?
At Tannlæknaþjónustunn, we are experts in advising you on the treatment that is best suited to your case. We examine each case individually, make treatment suggestions and make a cost estimate. You are welcome to visit us for an examination and together we will determine which treatment is suitable in your case.