What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis that fills the space between two teeth. In cases where when a person is missing one or more teeth, the dental bridge can fill these gaps with one or more artificial teeth. In this article, we will be talking about tooth bridge types and a single tooth bridge cost according to our country and some other countries.
Dental Bridge Materials
Dental bridges can be produced from different materials.
Metal Only
Metal tooth bridge costs are the cheapest option. If the retainer and pontic do not appear too much when the person smiles, a metal dental bridge may be preferred.
Ceramic Only
Porcelain ceramics and zirconium are much closer to looking like natural teeth. For this reason, they are mostly preferred for anterior dental bridges. But this type of tooth bridge costs much higher because of the materials and laboratory works. When they first appeared on the market, ceramic bridges were not very durable. But later they were made very strong thanks to the modern technology and materials used in dentistry. Emax bridges are slightly stronger than ceramics and this material looks a little more aesthetic and natural due to its slightly translucent structure.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)
Porcelain (PFM) bridges may not be strong as pure ceramic. The best material for dental restoration should be decided based on the location of the missing teeth and the budget.
Bridges made of ceramic and porcelain fused to a metal base are quite good at balancing cost with appearance.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are two ways to bridge teeth: fixed or bonded. In traditional tooth bridges, adjacent teeth are used as prosthesis fixation.
Conventional Fixed Bridge
The most common type of dental bridge is the fixed bridge because it provides a powerful way to replace one or two adjacent teeth. The prosthesis used for fixed bridges consists of a crown on both sides or one or two artificial teeth (pontics) in the middle.
Traditional Dental Bridge Procedure
For the crowns to fit properly, the anchor teeth must be filed down from their original size. These two teeth must support the bridge and have the strength to take the extra biting pressure.
After the anchor teeth are prepared, a tooth measurement is taken, and this measurement is sent to the laboratory. In this process, the dentist may provide a temporary crown or dental bridge to protect the exposed teeth.
When the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist tests it by placing it in the mouth. And, if satisfied, is fixed in place with a strong dental cement.
The biggest disadvantage of a fixed bridge is having to sacrifice two healthy teeth. If the bridge is later decided to be replaced with an implant, crowns are required for adjacent teeth as the removal of enamel is permanent.
Extra care should be taken when cleaning or flossing around the bridge. Using water tweezers can be helpful in this regard as a facilitator.
Apart from these, the fixed bridge is strong and durable.
Front Teeth Bridge
The pressure and bite on the anterior incisors is too great. For this reason, a dental bridge made for anterior teeth may require crowns on both sides. And a tooth bridge with five or six units is made to replace one or two teeth.
Dentist will recommend you the most suitable type of tooth bridge in this case, if you are missing one or more of your front teeth.
Fixed-Movable Tooth Bridge
To distinguish the traditional bridge type from the fixed-movable, the term fixed-fixed is used for the conventional bridge type. In a fixed-movable bridge, the connections between the retaining teeth and the pontic are not very rigid but are still fixed in place. Allowing a small amount of movement allows less pressure to be applied to the supporting teeth.
Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever bridges are connected to only one of the adjacent teeth by a crown and are similar to a traditional dental bridge in this sense. This method can be used when there is only one natural tooth next to the missing tooth. They are not as strong as bridges with two support crowns and can put extra pressure on the supporting tooth. There is a possibility that this may cause problems later on therefore, they are not used in places that receive a lot of pressure from biting and chewing.
Bonded Bridge (Maryland Bridge)
The dentist can use this method if there is only one tooth to be replaced. On either side of these bridges are metal or porcelain “wings” that are attached to the inner edges of adjacent teeth. Although it has the advantage of protecting healthy teeth because it is a bonded bridge, it will not be as strong as a fixed bridge. The adhesive holding the bridge in place may weaken over time, causing breakage and loosening of the bridge.
It is only the dental crown that is replaced in all types of dental bridges. If the root is missing, this may cause the jawbone to retract over time. and in the long term, there may be facial sagging. If an implant is desired afterward, a bone graft may be needed first. This is a dental bridge problem that patients should be aware of.
Dental Bridge vs. Implant vs. Denture
Dental bridges, implants, and dentures each have advantages and disadvantages over the other.
Teeth Implants
Teeth implants are made of titanium, a very strong material that is biocompatible with our bodies and are placed directly on the jawbone. An abutment is attached to the implant that holds the crown in place. If we examine the benefits of implants on bridges:
- it is a more durable solution and can last a lifetime
- they do not affect adjacent teeth
- it is easier to maintain oral hygiene with the implant, as there is less decay and gum disease.
- they help maintain the jawbone and face shape
The negative aspects are that the implants require surgery and tooth bridge cost is less than implant. But when the tooth bridge cost and inconvenience are considered, the implant may be a better idea. A traditional dental implant procedure takes several months as time is required for the implant to set and fuse with the bone. For patients who do not want to wait that long, the bridge may be a better solution.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Bridge implants are recommended for patients who are missing several teeth in a row or whose remaining teeth are not healthy enough to be used as anchors. Dentists can replace the anchor teeth with the implant and then place a bridge over them. Because a dental bridge costs less than an implant, the option is therefore less expensive than replacing each tooth with a separate implant.
Dentures
Dentures are structures that people call “false teeth,” are traditionally fixed to a frame made of plastic and metal that clip around existing teeth. They are made to fit around the remaining healthy teeth. Although their cost is quite low, they require special cleaning, they can be damaged or dislodged by certain foods. Prostheses need to be changed at regular intervals, otherwise they may cause mouth sores, dislodge while talking or disturb the person.
Comparing the Options
Remember that it is your dentist who will determine the right path for you.
How Much a Tooth Bridge Cost?
Tooth bridge costs vary according to many factors. This price difference in tooth bridge costs depends on the following factors.
- choosing a private or public hospital causes a price difference in the tooth bridge cost.
- materials used for tooth bridge cost are important
- type of the bridge placed affects tooth bridge cost
Also, your dentist would want to check the condition of your mouth before creating the treatment plan.
Can You Get a Dental Bridge on the NHS?
Dental bridges are one of the NHS services. One downside to NHS bridges is that you don’t have a choice of materials. The dentist will choose the most clinically appropriate material for you. On the NHS, if your dentist only offers a metal dental bridge, but you want a bridge in your own tooth color, you must pay additionally.
What Does NHS Tooth Bridge Cost?
In the NHS a single tooth bridge costs £282.80 in England – the band 3 treatment fee. Only certain types of bridges are included in NHS dental bridge treatment in the UK.
If you cannot find an accepting NHS dentist or if you are not considered suitable for NHS treatment, you may prefer private clinics.
How Much Does a Tooth Bridge Cost at a Private Dentist in the UK?
The single tooth bridge cost in private hospitals naturally increases compared to NHS’s. Private dentists charge per unit for fixed bridges. You generally pay between £250 – £800 for a single tooth bridge cost. You generally pay between £350 – £1,000 for a single bonded bridge cost. You generally start paying from £3,500 for a single implant-supported bridge (2 implants, 3-unit bridge). A three-unit bridge is needed to replace one tooth, and a five-unit bridge is needed to replace two teeth.
Dental implant tooth bridge costs are usually the highest. But they are a much longer lasting solution.
Saving Money on Tooth Bridge Cost
Dental bridges are insured in the UK and if you have insurance you can check to see if this will add to a single tooth bridge cost.
Also, where you live can change a single tooth bridge cost. Therefore, another way to save money while having a dental bridge is to go abroad. In countries such as Turkey and Hungary, a single tooth bridge cost may be 50-70% less than the UK. Doctors who specialize in dental bridge treatments in these countries can meet your needs with advanced technologies. Despite these, the standards of care are higher than you are used to at home.
2022 bridge fees announced by TDB (Turkish Dental Association) to guide in determining the ideal price are as follows:
- a single temporary crown tooth cost: 255 Turkish liras
- a single ceramic tooth cost: 1725 Turkish liras
- a single porcelain tooth cost: 2935 Turkish liras
These ideal and average prices determined may vary according to clinics.
For your questions, curiosities, and for a single tooth bridge cost, you can look at dental implants Turkey and evaluate the most suitable option for you.
Possible Dental Bridge Problems
As with any dental treatment, some complications may occur in dental bridges. In this topic, we will talk about the most common dental bridge problems you may encounter.
Infection Under Dental Bridge
There are 3 main causes of a dental bridge infection. These are poor and incomplete oral hygiene, a bridge that irritates the gums because it fits poorly, and cavities on the supporting teeth.
The dentist will tell you how to keep the bridge clean after wearing it. Following these recommendations will help you avoid complications with the dental bridge.
Sensitivity Under Dental Bridge
The sensitivity felt in the teeth and gums after the dental bridge is placed is normal. Because the mouth and gums need to get used to the new shape of the teeth, especially in root canal treatments.
If the sensitivity persists for more than a few weeks, this may indicate a problem in the placement of the bridge. In this case, should consult your doctor.
Food Caught Under Dental Bridge
Some food can get stuck in the spaces between the pontic and gum. This produces bacteria that cause bad odor and rot. For this reason, extra care is required when cleaning dental bridges. Using water flosser can help you with this.
Metal Appearing at Base of Teeth
Over time, on a porcelain (PFM) bridge, a metal line may appear over the gum line of the porcelain. Although it does not indicate a problem with the bridge, it may look bad visually on the front teeth. To avoid this problem, a ceramic dental bridge should be preferred over a metal-containing dental bridge.
Dental Bridge Feels Tight
It may feel painful and tight at first due to excessive pressure on the supporting teeth. Although it takes some time to get used to the new dental bridge, if this feeling does not go away, you should consult your dentist.
Dental Bridge Feels Loose
If your dental bridge feels loose or you feel it moving, contact your doctor.
The dental cement that holds the dental bridge in place begins to deteriorate over time, causing the old bridge to loosen or fall off. If the supporting teeth are in good condition, they are re-cemented, otherwise they should be replaced.
How to Fix a Loose Dental Bridge at Home
Dental bridge repair glue can be purchased online. Using this product following the instructions may keep the bridge or crown in place for several more months. But this is a temporary solution until the dentist appointment.