A dental bridge is a proven way to permanently replace missing teeth and close gaps between teeth. It is a type of fixed dental prosthesis and is custom-fitted by a dentist. Dental bridges are often used when one or more teeth are missing but the adjacent teeth are healthy. The bridge restores chewing function and improves the appearance of the affected area.
Depending on the situation, there are different types of dental bridges that vary in material and method of attachment. In many cases, health insurance covers part of the cost. Good oral hygiene is crucial for the long-term durability of a dental bridge.
Missing teeth always limit chewing ability. They can also lead to
- shifting of the teeth,
- malocclusions, and
- ultimately to temporomandibular joint pain and further tooth loss
. Depending on the location of the gap in the dentition, the appearance of the teeth may also be affected.
A missing tooth can be replaced with an implant or a dental bridge, thereby closing the gap.
Types of Dental Bridges
Teeth and gaps between teeth vary from person to person. Therefore, dental bridges must be custom-fitted. Various options are available for closing these gaps.
Dental bridges are therefore classified into the following types:
- Cantilever bridges or extension bridges,
- span bridges,
- Adhesive bridges,
- telescopic bridges,
- Implant-supported bridges,
- Tooth-implant composite bridges,
- Temporary dental bridges,
- Long-term temporary dental bridges.
The “mother of all bridges,” or the so-called base bridge, is the cantilever bridge. This is a fixed artificial dental prosthesis. It is cemented in place using an artificial dental crown on an abutment tooth—that is, a tooth adjacent to the tooth gap.
When bridging multiple adjacent tooth gaps, an extended cantilever bridge, or “extension bridge,” can be used.
A dental bridge “bridges” a gap in the dentition © Alex via AdobeStock
However, attachment to a single remaining abutment tooth is usually insufficient to withstand the enormous chewing forces. As a result, tooth fractures in the abutment teeth occur more frequently with cantilever bridges after a few years. For this reason, cantilever bridges are used only very rarely these days.
If, on the other hand, a gap is flanked by two teeth, the dentist can fit a cantilever bridge. This is anchored as a fixed dental prosthesis to the two abutment teeth on the right and left sides of the gap. If one of the two abutment teeth must be replaced with an implant, this is referred to as an “implant-supported bridge.”
In children, it is not possible to place implants to create artificial abutment teeth (anchor teeth) in cases of extensive tooth loss. They are still growing, and their skeleton—and thus their jaw—is subject to changes.
Larger gaps in children can be closed with adhesive bridges. Adhesive bridges do not require traditional crown placement, so the abutment teeth need to be ground down much more gently and only slightly. The actual dental bridge is then fused (“bonded”) to the tooth structure using metal and a special etching technique.
Temporary dental bridges, on the other hand, are used only until the lab has fabricated the permanent restoration. The temporary bridge
- temporarily closes the otherwise visible gap between teeth,
- prevents misalignment of the teeth, and
- protects the prepared abutment teeth from damage during chewing.
Temporary dental crowns are made of plastic. The dentist usually fabricates them himself using impression techniques.
Treatment with a Dental Bridge—More Information on Dental Restorations and the Various Implants
What are dental bridges made of?
Various materials are used in dental bridges. The following materials are widely used:
- Precious metals (e.g., gold),
- Non-precious metals (NEM),
- Ceramics,
- composite materials, and
- metal-ceramic.
Anyone who is allergic to metals should opt for a ceramic dental bridge. Dental bridges made of all-ceramic material or with a ceramic veneer also look like natural teeth. They thus blend elegantly into the existing row of teeth.
The dentist can even match the exact shade of the adjacent teeth, which significantly improves the overall appearance.
What are the pros and cons of a dental bridge?
The biggest disadvantage of a dental bridge is that, even with good oral hygiene and dental care, it usually lasts no longer than ten years. After that, it must be replaced, if possible. In many cases, however, the supporting abutment teeth are severely damaged or even dead due to years of stress from chewing.
Oral hygiene is also made more difficult by the fact that the dental bridge is firmly anchored or bonded in place. A removable denture can be taken out and cleaned regularly, but the bridge cannot.
Bone loss in the jaw beneath the dental bridge is also possible. The dental bridge is not anchored in the jaw, so the bone at the site of the missing tooth is not subjected to stress. This can lead to bone loss.
However, dental bridges do offer advantages over dentures. Dental bridges fit perfectly and are less likely to cause pressure points on the gums than dentures. Furthermore, their firm anchoring within the row of teeth provides a more stable bite, which preserves chewing function. Unlike with dentures, the chewing pressure from a dental bridge does not rest solely on the gums. Instead, the pressure is transmitted through the abutment teeth into the jawbone.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
Prices can vary greatly depending on the number of teeth to be bridged and the type of material used for the bridge. Typically, however, they range between €500 and €3,000. Patients can learn the exact costs of their individual treatment during a consultation with their dentist. The dentist will prepare a treatment and cost plan, which is also important for health insurance providers.
The costs for dental bridges and dental prostheses in general depend on the following factors:
- the treating dentist,
- the costs charged by the dental laboratory,
- the type of dental bridge to be used,
- the place of manufacture (domestic or foreign),
- the material of the dental bridge (ceramic, gold, metal alloy, etc.),
- on regular entries in the bonus booklet to receive a higher subsidy, and
- the information provided in the dentist’s treatment and cost plan.
Since statutory health insurance plans provide only a fixed subsidy, the patient usually has to pay a portion of the costs out of pocket. To keep this portion as low as possible, supplemental dental insurance is recommended. This can reimburse 80 to 100% of the costs incurred for a dental bridge.
Special regulations also apply, for example, to recipients of basic income support. In these cases, cost-effectiveness is the top priority. This means that, as a rule, only the costs covered by the health insurance provider’s fixed subsidy are reimbursable. However, aesthetic considerations that go beyond standard care are not taken into account.
For example, the insurance provider subsidizes partial veneers for teeth in the visible part of the dentition. In the posterior region of the mouth, however, subsidies for ceramic veneers are excluded.
Conclusion
A dental bridge is frequently used as a dental prosthesis when adjacent teeth serve as abutments for the bridge, as it reliably replaces a missing tooth and is classified as a fixed dental prosthesis. Depending on the type of dental bridge and the materials used—such as ceramic or plastic, ceramic or metal, or all-ceramic and metal bridges—there are various types of dental bridges, and the specific type is selected on a case-by-case basis. The placement of a dental bridge is part of the actual treatment process, during which a dental bridge is fabricated, a temporary dental bridge may be placed, and the permanent dental bridge is later inserted, at which point it is secured and its fit is checked.
The lifespan of a dental bridge and its durability depend on how well you care for it, your oral hygiene, and how stable the bridge is, as the benefits of a dental bridge become apparent over the long term in everyday activities such as speaking, chewing, and moving your teeth without restrictions. For many patients, a dental bridge is a sensible and proven alternative to dental implants, even though the disadvantages of a dental bridge—as well as its advantages and disadvantages—must be carefully weighed, and the use of dental bridges is not always suitable for every case.
The cost of a dental bridge—including the cost of the bridge itself, associated expenses, actual costs, and potential higher costs—depends on the diagnosis, the health insurance coverage for the bridge, the type of restoration chosen, and the resulting expenses. Overall, the use of a dental bridge shows that it is employed when appropriate; the dental bridge is one of the established solutions, many patients are satisfied with it, and treatment with a dental bridge often provides a stable, functional, and aesthetic solution.
FAQ
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis that closes one or more gaps between teeth by anchoring to adjacent abutment teeth and replacing the missing tooth.
What types of dental bridges are there?
There are various types of dental bridges, including traditional dental bridges, adhesive bridges, implant-supported bridges, and dental bridges made of ceramic or resin.
How is a dental bridge attached?
The dental bridge is attached to prepared abutment teeth or implants and permanently cemented in place so that it sits securely in the jaw.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the material, the number of teeth being replaced, and the fixed subsidy from the health insurance provider. Actual costs may vary.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good oral hygiene, regular checkups at the dentist, and careful cleaning, a dental bridge can last for many years and function reliably.
