Dental bridge: everything you need to know about this fixed prosthesis

Updated: November 2, 2022
Why choose a dental bridge?

If you are missing one or more teeth, a bridge is one of the prostheses that can repair your teeth. It is not the only solution, because sometimes you have the choice with an implant.

To find out what is possible for you and what is best assuming you have a choice, here is everything you need to know about dental bridges, as there are several types.

The consequences of a missing tooth

Besides the discomfort you will get used to and the aesthetic aspect, especially if it is a front tooth, leaving an empty space on your jaw has more important consequences.

You will no longer chew in the same way and perhaps always on the same side. The repercussions will include unbalanced wear of your teeth and an impact on the cervical vertebrae. Your digestive system will have to compensate for what was not chewed, which can lead to a higher production of stomach acid that can cause acid reflux and heartburn.

On the other hand, your other teeth will gradually move to fill the gap. Otherwise, the tooth opposite, having no more support, will loosen before falling. You will have a very unattractive jaw.

It is therefore imperative to fill this gap.

How does bridge look like?

If you are missing one or more teeth, the dentist can no longer place a crown. He will propose a bridge or an implant.

The major difference between the two is that the bridge is attached to the adjacent teeth, while the implant is independent, as it is screwed directly into the jawbone.

In order to place a bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth must be in good condition since they will act as pillars. But, depending on the type of bridge, it will be necessary to devitalize them to trim them. This means that two of your healthy teeth will be sacrificed.

It is also possible to place a bridge on dental implants.

The bridge can involve several missing teeth. The prosthetist who makes it will match the original color of your teeth, so that it is as discreet as possible.

Here is an interesting video on choosing a bridge over dentures or implants:

What is the difference between an implant and a bridge?

The price is the first difference and it is not negligible. Not only is the implant much more expensive than any bridge, but it is not reimbursed at all by the Social Security, whereas the bridge is reimbursed in small part. This is what drives patients to choose the former.

The dental implant consists of using this small piece called an implant that will be screwed into the jawbone and that will serve as a pivot to fix the false tooth.

The advantage is that the integrity of the adjacent teeth is not affected. They do not need to be devitalized and trimmed and will not serve as a support with glue for the prosthesis. In addition, the longevity of the implant is greater than that of the bridge.

The disadvantage, besides the price, is the duration of the treatment. As the bone will have to be drilled to fix the implant, it will be necessary to wait for the healing of the gum and the reformation of the bone around the implant. This can take more than six months.

The implant is not suitable for people whose jawbone is too thin, or of insufficient quality, especially for patients who have developed periodontal disease.

The implant is therefore more expensive and longer to place, but more beneficial to your other teeth and more durable.

What are the different types of dental bridges?

The conventional bridge

The conventional bridge consists of devitalizing the two adjacent teeth to cut them. The dental technician then makes one (or more) false teeth and two crowns that frame it to form a bridge.

The conventional bridge is most often made of ceramic. The average life span of a bridge is 15 years and it is absolutely discreet.

However, you must sacrifice two healthy teeth that will be devitalized to be trimmed. The operation is irreversible and it is always advisable to keep your teeth alive as much as possible.

The conventional bridge is the most expensive of the bridges. It also requires more preparation, which means more dental appointments.

conventional bridge
Several types of bridges exist

The adhesive bridge or Maryland bridge

The adhesive bridge, called Maryland Bridge, is less expensive because it requires less preparation. It can only be placed if there is only one missing tooth, but it has the great advantage of not impacting the adjacent teeth.

In fact, there is no need to prune them, thus devitalizing them. The bridge is made up of the missing tooth (with a resin gum base) which is glued to the neighboring teeth on both sides.

The adhesive bridge is made of ceramic, which allows it to have the exact color of the other teeth. It requires fewer visits to the dentist, but its life span does not exceed five years.

Because of the risk of premature detachment, it is strongly discouraged to choose it for a front tooth, visible when you speak and smile. Reserve it for the back teeth.

The cantilever bridge

The cantilever bridge follows the model of the conventional bridge, but requires only one abutment tooth to be cut. Still made of ceramic, it is less expensive than the conventional one, requires less preparation and therefore fewer appointments.

How is a dental bridge installed?

The placement of the bridge, as well as its preparation, depends on the type of bridge you have chosen. In any case, you will need at least two or three appointments.

The first appointment

During the first appointment, the dental surgeon will prepare the area. He may have to devitalize the adjacent teeth and extract the remains of the tooth to be replaced if there are any.

If you have opted for an adhesive bridge, the dentist will then take impressions of your jawbone, which will serve as a basis for the prosthetist to make your bridge. He applies a mouthpiece filled with a fairly dense paste and asks you to close your mouth for a few seconds before removing it.

The second meeting

This appointment is not necessary for an adhesive bridge.

In the case of a conventional or cantilever bridge, the dentist will trim the adjacent tooth or teeth. Some suggest doing this at the first appointment, but you may prefer to take the time to recover from the root canal.

He will then take impressions of your jaw.

The third meeting

The third appointment is dedicated to the installation of the bridge. It is quite quick, since everything is ready, usually in less than an hour.

He makes final adjustments to ensure that your bite is perfect.

Are there any risks involved in having a bridge installed?

Dentists have a long history of experience with the reliability of bridges. It is a fairly safe prosthesis. However, since there is no such thing as zero risk, you are always exposed to disappointment. The teeth serving as pillars being weakened, there can be lesions in the mass of the tooth, but also in the surrounding nerves.

Failures during the installation are exceptional, but it is possible that the bonding is imperfect and that the bridge loosens prematurely. Remember to ask your dentist about the benefits he or she offers. The longevity of a bridge is measured in years: what happens if it comes off after six months?

In this case, it will be necessary to make another appointment to check the structure (to make sure that the prosthesis fits the shape of the abutments), and then glue it back in place. These costs must be covered by the dentist if the bridge has come loose prematurely.

Once your bridge is installed, your gums may become sensitized or reject, although the chances of this are infinitesimal. Under no circumstances should you wait to reschedule, as you may develop an abscess, gingivitis, or worse, periodontal disease.

However, bridge has a very good reputation and the risk of failure is extremely rare.

What is the cost of a dental bridge?

First of all, your dentist will draw up an estimate detailing the entire operation. It usually indicates the amount of the Social Security reimbursement, which tells you what you have to pay.

If you have supplemental health insurance, you must send this estimate to them so that they can approve it and give you the amount they will reimburse you. You will then know exactly what your final out-of-pocket expenses are.

Prices depend on the type of bridge installed, but also on your dentist. Prices are free and vary from one to another. They can range from 800 € for an adhesive bridge, to more than 3000 € for a conventional bridge.

How is the bridge reimbursed?

dental bridge reimbursement
Some bridges are not reimbursed at all by the Social Security

The cost of the bridge is very poorly covered by the Social Security. But still better than an implant that is not at all.

The calculation differs from one type of bridge to another and also depends on the number of teeth you are replacing with dentures. If, for example, you need a conventional bridge for a single missing tooth, your dentist's bill may be more than €2,000, for a reimbursement of €195.

For example, adhesive bridges are not reimbursed at all by the health insurance.

You must choose a mutual insurance company that will make up the huge difference between the global rate and the reimbursement by the Social Security.

To find the dental insurance plan that best covers the cost of your dental bridge, start by comparing the available structures via our free tool:

Are there cheaper solutions?

There are two cheaper solutions, but they are more risky and should be considered with the utmost care.

French low cost dental practices

Since the Bachelot law of 2009, low cost dental practices have flourished in France. They are usually located on the outskirts of major cities and can be two or three times less expensive than a traditional dental office.

You must take three major precautions:

  1. Make sure that the intervention is really necessary. If you go directly to one of these practices, be aware that they tend to push you to consume. Only go in if your dentist says there is no other option.
  2. Find out about the quality of the practice and the dentists who work there.
  3. Ask about the quality of the material that is used.

Don't just read reviews on a website, but try to find people you know who have already tested it. The stakes are too high.

Dental tourism

With airfare now very low cost, an intervention can remain cheaper abroad, while taking into account the ticket and accommodation on site.

The three most cited countries are Hungary, Spain and Portugal. You must choose the firm with the utmost care. As in France, there are good and bad dentists. In any case, they have diplomas and equipment equivalent to those of French dentists.

The care you have done in the European Union is reimbursed in the same way by the French Social Security. Ask your health insurance company if it covers part of the costs, as not all of them offer the same conditions.

Take into account a significant risk: the after-sales service. If you have a problem with your Hungarian or Portuguese bridge, a French dentist will not accept to take it back. He would be committing his professional civil liability and he will not want to take the risk. If you have to fly back, the operation will be null and void, or may even cost you more in the end than if you had gone to a traditional office.

So is a dental bridge a good idea?

A dental bridge is a good option if you really can't afford an implant that won't affect your neighboring teeth and will last longer. It is always harmful to devitalize healthy teeth.

If it is a back tooth, you can try an adhesive bridge, which is less expensive and does not affect your other teeth.

As for the risks, they are minimal, as long as you choose your dentist carefully.

FAQ

Is a bridge solid?

A bridge has a lifespan of between 10 and 20 years! According to dentists, the smaller the bridge, the longer it lasts.

How much does a bridge cost?

The price of a bridge is not fixed. Its price depends on the material it is made of, the type of bridge and the number of teeth to be replaced. Moreover, it is a free rate that evolves according to the dental practice.

How does a dentist remove a dental bridge?

A dental bridge cannot be removed.