Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges | Having missing teeth is never a good thing for your oral health. You’ll find yourself having difficulty chewing correctly; you will experience bone loss, and your facial muscles can begin sagging. And cosmetic concerns may be the least of your worries.
Understanding Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a type of treatment used to replace a missing tooth, consisting of several pieces fitting together to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. A false tooth, medically known as a pontic, is at its center, with a crown on both sides of the false tooth.
In addition, the name of the procedure comes from the fact that the false tooth “bridges” the gap. The anchors are your natural teeth retaining the bridge in its place. Natural teeth are called abutment teeth in this case.
The false tooth can be constructed from metallic alloys or porcelain. To be successful, the abutment teeth used for dental bridges must be healthy and strong. However, before bridge placement, these teeth must normally go through a preparatory process. Also, this means that they must be filed down some to accommodate the dental crowns.
Types of Dental Bridges
Now let’s look at your treatment choices for dental bridges:
Traditional Bridges
Moreover, the most common type of bridge involves the use of a false tooth found at the center, with two crowns on either side. It makes a good treatment choice if you have sturdy and healthy teeth on each side of the gap.
To receive this type of bridge, some tooth structure must be removed, so this is a permanent procedure, which is something to consider.
Maryland Bridges
This is a conservative treatment choice in comparison to traditional bridges. Instead of relying upon false teeth attached to dental crowns, the false tooth is attached to a porcelain or metal framework.
In addition, the back of the teeth are used to attach the bridge, so crowns are not necessary. As a result, there is no requirement for tooth structure to be removed.
That is to say, the Maryland bridge is most appropriate for replacing front teeth.
Cantilever Bridges
This type is similar to traditional bridges, with one key difference: Only one crown is used to attach the false tooth, not two. As a result, this makes a good choice if you need to replace a missing tooth with only one natural tooth next to the gap.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Increasingly popular, implant-supported bridges are useful for those who have many missing teeth. They are similar to traditional bridges, but use dental implants as anchors, not natural teeth.
Further, implant-supported bridges are known for being stable and comfortable, feeling just like natural teeth. However, the only downside with this type of bridge is that dental implant surgery is required before you receive your new pearly whites.
Benefits of Dental Bridges:
- Restores speech
- Preserves facial integrity
- Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap
- Restores your smile
- Allows you to chew food normally
Durability and Maintenance
Above all, after receiving your new dental bridge, you will want it to last as long as possible. Dental bridges can last up to 15 years. Sometimes longer.
Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine is very helpful in ensuring that your bridge lasts as long as possible. Since they are permanent prosthetics, therefore, you need to be treating them just like natural teeth. Pay special attention to the health of the abutment teeth used to anchor your bridges. In short, brush and floss daily, and keep up with your routine dental exam and cleaning appointments.
Schedule A Consultation
Learn more about dental bridges by scheduling a consultation with one of our dental offices down below:
