Dental Bridge
If you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, a dental bridge is an excellent, potential solution to fill the gap and restore the appearance and function of your smile. A dental bridge consists of a false tooth, known as a pontic, securely held in place by dental crowns or implants on the teeth next to the gap. Dental bridges not only improve the aesthetics of your smile but also help maintain proper tooth alignment, restore chewing function, and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting.
There are four common types of dental bridges, each with its own unique benefits:
Traditional Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is the most common type and involves a false tooth or teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges are ideal when you have healthy, natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. This type of bridge provides a strong and stable solution for tooth replacement, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Cantilever Bridge
The cantilever dental bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but with a key difference, only one abutment tooth is required to support the pontic. In this case, the pontic is held in place by a dental crown that is cemented onto just one adjacent tooth. This type of bridge is ideal for situations where only one natural tooth is present next to the missing tooth, providing an effective solution for restoring your smile.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland dental bridge uses one or two natural teeth on either side of the gap. Instead of crowns, it uses a metal or porcelain framework that is attached to the backs of these teeth. This type of bridge is less invasive because it doesn’t require much alteration of the surrounding teeth, making it a great option for patients with healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
Implant-supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is a modern solution that uses dental implants to secure the pontic in place, instead of relying on crowns or frameworks attached to natural teeth. Typically, one implant is surgically placed for each missing tooth, and these implants serve as the foundation for the bridge. In cases where one implant for each missing tooth isn’t feasible, the bridge may be supported by two implants with a pontic suspended between them. Implant-supported bridges provide a durable and stable solution, especially for those who don’t want to alter their remaining natural teeth.
