The Pros & Cons of Dental Bridges | Aurora Dental in OH (2024)

FAQs

What is the downside of a dental bridge? ›

For example, there is a risk of decay of if the bridge and crowns are not well fitted and allow plaque and bacteria to enter underneath them. Additionally, the structure of the teeth may change following the placement of the crowns and bridge.

Traditional bridges require putting crowns over perfectly healthy teeth. The healthy teeth on either side of the bridge will have to be shaved down and capped, which results in losing some healthy tooth enamel. This increases the risk of permanent damage to already healthy teeth.

Missing teeth leave a gap in your smile and can hinder your ability to chew and speak properly. If you're missing one to four teeth in a row, a dental bridge could be an option for you. Bridges are typically more comfortable than partial dentures and more affordable than dental implants.

People who have problems with their teeth that might require a procedure like a root canal in the future are not good candidates for dental bridges because the teeth could become infected or lose their strength and become damaged over time.

Bridges can have a negative impact on wildlife and their habitats, and disrupt views and scenic landscapes. Bridge construction and maintenance can be costly, Moreover, bridges can become congested and lead to traffic problems.

A bridge is more appealing than a missing tooth to most people, but it does not provide the same realistic results that other options can offer. Upon close-up inspection, it may be noticeable to others. However, most people will not be able to tell that you have a dental bridge.

If a tooth has been missing for so long that the neighboring teeth have drifted or tilted into the open space, there may not be enough space for an implant without the help of braces. A bridge can be used to reshape the tilted teeth while also replacing the missing tooth.

A dental bridge can take the place of a single tooth but is commonly used to restore two, three, four, or more teeth. The greater the number of missing teeth, the more crowns needed to support the bridge and the less stable the bridge tends to be.

Many patients express concern about the potential pain of getting a dental bridge. However, the process itself is generally painless. Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.

Dental implants are 95% to 98% successful for 40 to 50+ years. Success rates for dental implants do not decrease over time. Success rates for bridges decreases steadily after 10 years. At 15 years, 1 in 3 bridges will typically fail.

What is the rule for dental bridges? ›

Ante's law, states that the roots of abutment teeth must have a combined periodontal surface area in three dimensions that is more than that of the missing root structures of the teeth replaced with a bridge, is used in bridgework design. This law remains controversial in terms of supporting clinical evidence.

General Dentists

General dentists are your go-to professionals for a wide range of dental services, ensuring overall oral health. When it comes to crowns and bridges, they excel in providing essential treatments.

Dental bridges are more likely to be covered by your insurance and require a smaller upfront cost. If cost isn't an issue and you're in good overall health, dental implants may be the better option since they last longer and don't damage your surrounding teeth.

Poor oral hygiene is the most significant and common reason behind dental bridge failure. When you fail to care for your teeth properly, bacteria can enter under the bridge through the crowns, producing decay in your natural (or abutment) teeth.

Some experts say that a dental bridge may last for just 5 – 7 years. However, others offer a different opinion and say that a bridge can easily last for 10 – 15 years. With proper care, it is even possible that a bridge could last a lifetime.