Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss, when left unchecked, it can lead to the loss of several teeth.
Bridges are one of the solutions for replacing lost teeth, especially if the gaps are close to each other.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is a dental prosthesis that consists of one or more replacement teeth attached to the natural teeth on each side of the gap. It is preferred sometimes to implants because it doesn’t require surgery or waiting several months. However, unlike implants, a bridge often requires the side teeth to be reduced or adapted, which might not be convenient if the side teeth are healthy and in good condition. Bridges that are attached to implants are also popular these days.
There are several types of bridges. The most common ones are:
Traditional Bridge
It is the most common type of bridge. The bridge is attached to the side teeth and it has a crown or other type of restoration that replaces the missing tooth.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is very similar to a traditional bridge, except that it’s attached to only one of the side teeth, typically because there is no other tooth on the other side.
Bonded Bridge
Also called a Maryland bridge or resin-bonded bridge, a bonded bridge is typically used to replace front teeth, which require better looks and less resistance than the teeth in the rest of the mouth. It consists of a metal band with artificial front teeth. The metal band is bonded with resin to the teeth on the sides.
Bridges or Implants?
Both bridges and implants are used to replace missing teeth. In general, an implant offers more stability and strength than a bridge. However, it requires surgery and waiting several months of healing before the final crowns can be inserted. A bridge doesn’t require surgery and it can be installed in a much shorter amount of time. It requires grinding the teeth to the side of the gap, although this is not a problem if such teeth also require some dental work. Bridges are also less expensive than implants.
However, one of the advantages of having your dental work in Costa Rica is that you benefit from affordable prices, so you really should be thinking of what the best solution is for your dental health and not worry about the cost.
Please fill out the “Helo me Find a Dentist” form on this page and get connected with a participating dentist in Costa Rica.
Monica Rix Paxson is an award-winning author writing on topics related to science and medicine including the book “The English Speaker’s Guide to Dental Care in Mexico”.She has appeared on CNN, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning and the BBC.