What is a dental bridge?
If you lost a tooth, your dentist can close that gap and ensure your smile is intact. They do this by bridging the gap using a dental bridge.
A dental bridge typically consists of two or more specially fitted crowns that are placed on the abutment or anchoring teeth on either side of the space formed by your missing tooth or teeth.
Fixed bridges are strong and reliable and in most cases, they feel and look very much like natural teeth.
According to healthline.com, a dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) that is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap.
Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, typically they’re made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth.
4 types of Dental Bridges
There are 4 types of dental bridges according to https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most popular types of dental bridges. They are used when your natural teeth surround a missing tooth or gap on both sides.
These bridges consist of one or more pontic teeth that are held in place by two abutment teeth. “Abutment teeth” are natural teeth that are given dental crowns to support the fake teeth, or “pontic teeth,” between them. Traditional bridges, usually made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal, are strong enough to replace molars.
Cantilever dental bridges
Similar to traditional bridges, cantilever bridges are attached to an abutment tooth, but just on one side. When natural teeth are only present on one side of a gap, cantilever bridges are used so a bridge can still be secured. Like traditional bridges, your dentist will need to prepare the adjacent tooth to support the bridge by removing its enamel.
Maryland dental bridges
Maryland bridges, or resin-bonded bridges, are often recommended for replacing teeth at the front of the mouth. These bridges use metal or porcelain bands to bind a pontic tooth to the backs of adjacent natural teeth.
Although considered a more conservative alternative to traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require adjacent teeth to have their enamel removed, as the bridge doesn’t need to be held in place by crowns.
Implant-supported bridges
Implant-supported bridges are similar to regular dental bridges, but instead of being supported by natural teeth, they are supported by dental implants.
These bridges are used when you have more than one missing tooth or when there is a higher chance you could put too much pressure on individual implants that are not connected.
Here’s how they work: One dental implant is placed for every missing tooth to create a series that holds the bridge in place.
8 advantages of Dental Bridges
According to https://westcoastinternational.com/
- Dental bridges are usually small, lightweight, providing excellent chewing comfort.
- The correct and redistribute the normal bite force, compromised by your missing teeth.
- Getting used to your new dental bridge is usually easy and comfortable.
- Helps maintain the shape of your face.
- Controls shifting and moving of adjoining teeth.
- Enhances your natural speaking and eating ability.
- Only 2 – 3 appointments are needed to complete your bridge restoration
- The longevity factor and general prognosis is good if your hygiene and home care is maintained at a heightened level.
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