A healthy and beautiful smile is something that many people desire. However, tooth loss can occur for various reasons, such as accidents, tooth decay, or gum disease. When one or more lower teeth are missing, it can affect the appearance of your smile and also make it difficult to chew and speak properly. One of the most effective and popular treatment options for missing lower teeth is a bottom teeth bridge.
What is a Bottom Teeth Bridge?
A bottom teeth bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that replaces a missing tooth or teeth in the lower jaw. Fixed bridges consist of a false tooth or teeth (pontics) supported by dental crowns on either side. These crowns are placed on the adjacent natural teeth (abutment teeth) or dental implants to secure the bridge in place.
The bottom teeth bridge replaces a missing tooth, several teeth, or even part of the arch. It can be made of metal alloy, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-ceramic.
Benefits
If you lose lower teeth, it can have negative consequences that affect your oral health and overall health. It will be more difficult to chew food properly. Also, it affects your facial profile and self-esteem. Benefits of bottom teeth dental bridge include:
- Restore your smile: Teeth loss is a sign of aging, causing embarrassment and low self-esteem. Fixed dental bridges can improve your smile and self-esteem.
- Restore chewing function: Tooth loss makes eating difficult, which can affect your general health. Bottom teeth bridges allow you to eat the same way you did before losing your teeth, which will improve your nutrition & general health.
- Improve speaking: Getting a fake tooth can treat speaking problems caused by tooth loss.
- Maintain your face’s natural shape: Your cheeks and lips will lose support due to the loss of teeth and jawbone, causing facial profile changes. Dental bridges will support the lips and cheeks.
- Prevent TMJ disorders: Loss of lower teeth can affect your jaw joint and cause problems, such as TMJ pain, headaches, and clicking sounds. Bottom teeth bridge can improve jaw joint function and reduce or eliminate TMJ disorders.
Types of a Bottom Teeth Bridge
There are several bridge types in dentistry for missing bottom teeth and each type has advantages and disadvantages. It is important to discuss your specific needs with your dentist. Types of bridges for bottom teeth include:
- Traditional dental bridge
- Maryland bridge (resin-bonded fixed partial denture)
- Implant-supported bridges
Traditional dental bridge is one of the oldest fixed bridge designs. It has a great aesthetic but requires the preparation of adjacent sound teeth for support. It consists of 2 crowns and an artificial tooth (pontic) in between.
Crowns are cemented onto the prepared teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the gap. A traditional bridge for missing bottom teeth can be made of metal alloy, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-ceramic. Traditional bridges are an effective treatment option for missing bottom front teeth.
Maryland bridge, also known as a resin-bonded fixed partial denture, is similar to traditional bottom teeth bridges, but it was designed with less preparation and preserving of adjacent teeth. The resin-bonded fixed partial denture uses metal wings or a porcelain framework bonded onto the backs of adjacent healthy teeth.
Implant-supported dental bridge; bottom teeth bridges can be supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. Fixed implant bridges are suitable when there are no natural teeth for support and if many adjacent teeth are missing (more than 3 missing teeth). However, They are more expensive than traditional bridges and require a surgical procedure and a healing period (2 to 4 months).
How is the Dental Bridge Procedure Performed?
The traditional dental bridge procedure for bottom teeth usually involves several steps:
- Initial consultation: During this visit, your dentist will assess your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment options. They will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental bridge and which type would be most appropriate for your case.
- Tooth preparation: If you opt for a traditional dental bridge or resin-bonded bridge, the nearby teeth (abutment teeth) will need to be prepared. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from these teeth to create space for the bridge to fit. The dentist will then take impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of your custom bridge.
- Temporary bridge placement: While your permanent bridge is being made, the dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums. This temporary bridge should be worn until your next appointment.
- Final placement: Once your permanent bridge is ready, you will return to the dental office for its placement. The dentist will remove the temporary bridge and check the fit and appearance of the new bridge. Adjustments may be made to ensure a proper bite and optimal aesthetics. After that, the dentist will bond the bridge onto the abutment teeth using dental cement.
Implant-Supported Bridge procedure
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots (titanium posts) surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a solid foundation for a dental crown or bridge.
The Implant-supported dental bridge procedure for bottom teeth is different. The oral surgeon will ask for a Cone-Beam-Computed-Tomography scan (CBCT) of your jaw to assess the bone density and determine the ideal placement for the dental implants.
The next step in the dental implant procedure involves surgical placement of the dental implants into the jawbone. The number of implants required will depend on the number of missing teeth and the condition of the jawbone. The implants serve as anchors for the dental bridge.
Bone grafting may be necessary in cases where the jawbone has insufficient density to support the implants. Bone grafting for dental implants involves adding bone material to the jawbone to strengthen it and create a stable foundation for the implants.
After the healing period, a custom bridge is fabricated to fit securely onto the implants. The bottom teeth bridge will then be attached to the implants using dental cement or screws.
Traditional Bridge vs. Implant for Replacing Missing Bottom Teeth
If you have one or more missing bottom teeth, you can choose traditional bridge or dental implants to replace them. Both options are permanent solutions that have advantages and disadvantages.
Generally, dental implants are a better option for replacing missing teeth because they are more strong, durable, and last longer than traditional bridges. However, they are more expensive and require a surgical procedure. Implants require a long healing period, which can take 2 to 4 months, depending on the quality of the jawbone.
Traditional bridges are less invasive than implants and you can get a bridge for bottom teeth within 2 weeks. However, traditional bridges are not suitable if:
- There are no natural back teeth for support.
- You want to replace more than 3 missing adjacent teeth.
- Traditional bridges are not suitable for an adult with no teeth. In this case, fixed implant bridges are recommended.
If you have one or more missing teeth, consult your dentist to know which dental treatment is suitable for your needs.
Which One Should I Get?
It depends on your needs. You should discuss the different types of teeth replacement options with your dentist and together you can choose which bridge fits you best. Several factors to consider before choosing the tooth replacement option, including:
- Number and location of missing teeth: if you have more than 3 adjacent missing teeth or no posterior natural teeth for support, your dentist may recommend a fixed implant bridge.
- Material: dental bridges can be made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of both.
- Durability: implant-supported tend to last longer than traditional bottom teeth bridges.
- Cost: Fixed implant bridges are more expensive.
- The complexity of the procedure: the placement of implants requires a surgical procedure while traditional bridges can be fixed in place without any surgery.
Bottom Teeth Bridge – Conclusion
Tooth loss may occur for several reasons, such as tooth decay and gum disease. A bottom teeth bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth in the lower jaw. It is an effective solution to restore your smile and improve your ability to chew and speak properly.
Traditional bridges and resin-bonded bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support, while implant-supported bridges (fixed implant bridges) are anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone.
Each type of bridge has its advantages and considerations. Traditional bridges are less invasive and can be completed within a shorter period of time. They are also more suitable for individuals with sufficient natural teeth for support.
On the other hand, fixed implant bridges offer a more durable and long-lasting solution. They provide better stability and prevent bone loss in the jaw.
When deciding which type of bottom teeth bridge to choose, it is important to consider factors such as the number and location of missing teeth, the material used, durability, cost, and the complexity of the procedure. Your dentist can assess your specific needs and help you make an informed decision.
