Dental
Bridges
in Ellenbrook

Dental bridges can be categorised into four basic types:

Traditional Dental Bridge: The most common type of bridge is the traditional dental bridge. Ceramic, porcelain fused with metal, or all-metal, such as gold, are used for these types of bridges. Traditional bridges consist of one fake tooth, commonly called a pontic, which is attached to a dental crown on each side. Traditional bridges are primarily used to restore premolars and molars, which are located in the back of the mouth.

Cantilever Dental Bridge: Cantilever bridges are made of porcelain fused to metal, similar to traditional bridges. However, a patient must have one natural tooth next to the missing tooth to support a cantilever bridge. An artificial tooth is placed on either side of the unhealthy tooth in a cantilever dental bridge. Cantilever bridges are not strong enough to hold molars and are usually utilised to restore front teeth.

Maryland Dental Bridge: Maryland dental bridges, like traditional bridges, use two natural abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap. The difference is a Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework attached to the backs of the abutment teeth rather than dental crowns on the abutment teeth.

A Maryland bridge can only be utilised if you have a natural tooth on each side of the gap produced by the missing teeth, just like a standard bridge. Typically, Maryland bridges are used for restoring front teeth. They are rarely used to restore teeth at the back of the mouth since the canines are vital to your bite functionality, and Maryland bridges are easily shifted or loosened.

Implant-supported Dental Bridge: As the name implies, implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants rather than crowns or frames. One implant is surgically implanted for each missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in place. Pontics can be suspended between two implant-supported crowns if one implant isn’t practicable for each lost tooth.

Usually, dental bridge procedures require two dental visits:

First Visit: Tooth Preparation

• During the first appointment, a local anaesthetic may be administered to guarantee that you are comfortable and pain-free during the dental bridge procedure.
• The abutment teeth are then shaped and filed by your dentist. The enamel and any other dental structure are removed to establish a clear path to the opposite tooth.
• After shaping the teeth, impressions are taken and submitted to a dental laboratory, where you’ll get your personalised dental bridge made.
• A temporary bridge will be placed over the newly shaped teeth and gap while the permanent bridge is being manufactured. Dental implants will be implanted in your jawbone if the adjacent teeth are not robust enough to support a bridge (implant-supported bridge).

Second Visit: Bridge Placement

The second appointment will be scheduled once the permanent bridge is ready for placement.

• A local anaesthetic will be given if there is any sensitivity or pain, and the temporary bridge will be removed.
• Your dentist will then clean your teeth.
• To confirm that the bridge fits properly, your dentist will take x-rays of it.
• Finally, the bridge and your teeth will be glued together with dental cement.

Dental bridge cost is determined by various factors, including the number of teeth that need to be replaced, the bridge type, the placement’s intricacy, and whether or not further dental treatments are required. Treatment can cost anything from $2,000 to $5,000. An implant-supported bridge, on the other hand, can cost up to $9,000.

Typically, dental bridges last between five to  seven years. By maintaining good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings, the bridge can last for more than ten years.