An adhesive dental bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge or Maryland bridge, is a custom-made replacement for a missing front tooth or teeth.
In this blog, we’ll look at the following on adhesive bridges…
- What is An Adhesive Bridge?
- Why Should I Replace Missing Teeth?
- What’s The Process of Getting An Adhesive Bridge?
- How Long Do Adhesive Bridges Last?
- Adhesive Bridge FAQ
What is An Adhesive Bridge?
An adhesive bridge consists of a prosthetic tooth and bridge framework. The prosthetic tooth is placed on the missing tooth with a metal wing that bonds to the back of adjacent teeth. The other part of the adhesive bridge is the framework, typically made from either metal, ceramic, or a combination of the two. Being a minimally invasive restoration, adhesive bridges don’t require extensive tooth enamel reduction to place a crown on adjacent teeth, giving it an advantage over conventional bridges.
Why Should I Replace Missing Teeth?
Restoring missing teeth maintains the smile’s function and appearance. Missing teeth can significantly impact your ability to chew and talk properly. Likewise, it affects your overall appearance, which can impact your confidence.
What’s The Process of Getting An Adhesive Bridge?
It takes multiple appointments to complete an adhesive bridge procedure. As you go through the adhesive bridge process, your doctor will thoroughly examine your teeth, create a temporary bridge, prepare adjacent teeth, and finally place the final bridge.
Creation of the Temporary Bridge
During the first appointment, your doctor will create an impression or mold of your teeth using a special 3D camera. This lets them digitally scan the missing tooth area to design a temporary bridge.
Preparing Adjacent Teeth
After this, your doctor may do a minimal etch of the back of the adjacent teeth to ensure a secure bond.
Final Preparations
An additional impression or mold will be complete at this point to design your final bridge. You’ll use the temporary bridge in the meantime as you wait for the final bridge to be finished.
Final Bridge Placement
Your doctor will remove the temporary bridge for your final bridge placement. During this process, they will apply a special adhesive to the back of the adjacent teeth and secure the wing of the prosthetic tooth to each side.
A curing light hardens and sets the adhesive, making the bridge solid and secure. Your missing tooth is now replaced, and the area is filled with a natural-appearing prosthetic.
How Long Do Adhesive Bridges Last?
When taken care of, adhesive bridges can last up to 15 years. On average, they last between five to 15 years and require professional removal by a dentist.
Adhesive Bridge FAQ
Adhesive bridges are made from metal, ceramic, or a combination of the two. The most popular type of bridge, a traditional bridge, has a metal base with a porcelain layer on top, giving a natural appearance.
You may feel some soreness and discomfort following the placement of the bridge. It may take some time to get used to, but the bridge should begin to feel natural in as little as two weeks.
Adhesive bridges aren’t purely cosmetic and may be covered by dental insurance partially or in whole. Out-of-pocket adhesive bridges can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.
