logo-pwdds.png

What are the different types of Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is essential to fill the gap permanently when one or more teeth are missing. It’s composed of several pieces that are fused so that it...

hero image

A dental bridge is essential to fill the gap permanently when one or more teeth are missing. It's composed of several pieces that are fused so that it can fill the gap left by your missing tooth. A bridge can also improve the aesthetics of your smile and make it easier to eat and speak clearly. The different types of dental bridges can replace missing teeth, whereas partial dentures cannot.

 

Gold, alloys, or porcelain are just some of the options for the material that goes into making a dental bridge. Porcelain is a standard replacement for front teeth because it can make the shade look like the patient's original teeth.

 

Are Dental Bridges Necessary?

 

Your dentist will examine the area of your mouth for the dental bridge to see if you are the best candidate for a dental bridge. Depending on the gap, either a dental bridge is the best option or not. It's also essential to assess the anchor teeth to ensure they can withstand the force of a dental prosthesis. Dental radiographs or a CBCT scan may be necessary to determine the state of the supporting structures.

 

When you bite or chew, the forces exerted by your teeth on each other are even. When teeth shift, it can lead to discomfort, trouble biting, bite issues, and a cosmetic change to avoid such complications; missing teeth require dental bridges.

 

Types of Dental Bridges

 

If your dentist thinks you'd benefit from a dental bridge, the next step is to figure out which kind of dental bridge will work best for you. In dentistry, there are four distinct types of dental bridges from which to choose. The four main categories of dental bridges are as follows:

  

Traditional Dental Bridge

 

Bridges for missing teeth have traditionally consisted of a false tooth in the gap, held in place by crowns affixed to the teeth on each side of the space. As the most popular kind of bridge, porcelain-fused-to-metal or ceramic bridges are extremely common.

 

When teeth on either side of the gaps are in good enough health to support a dental bridge, a traditional dental bridge replaces the lost tooth or teeth. Both teeth must be modified and crowned before the bridge placement to ensure they are healthy enough to support the bridge.

 

Maryland Bonded Bridges

 

Unlike traditional bridges, a Maryland bridge, which is attached to the teeth without crowns, is a more modern alternative. It has wings on either side of the pontic that adhere to your abutment teeth.

 

To replace a missing front tooth, dentists often employ a Maryland bridge. Less work is involved in constructing these bridges, but this also means they may be less safe than more traditional options.

 

Cantilever Bridges

 

Cantilever bridges can put undue stress on anchor teeth. It differs structurally from ordinary bridges in requiring only one anchor tooth. It's not common practice to use them, and they usually can only be positioned at the front of the jaw. In the back of the mouth, a cantilever bridge could put undue pressure on one tooth and potentially cause it to break.

 

A cantilever bridge saves time and money, but there aren't many scenarios when a bridge of this type would be a good idea. These are the best option for gaps caused by missing teeth when the adjacent teeth are only on one side of the space.

 

Implant-Supported Bridge

 

Dental implants support implant-supported bridges, which are similar to regular bridges. Because of this, implant-supported bridges can span huge gaps with several missing teeth. Implants are strong, durable, and can restore normal function. This dental bridge involves an intrusive operation and recovery time. Instead of natural teeth, dental implants support retainer crowns.

 

Summary

 

There are several dental bridges, but research shows that dental bridges can last for many years with proper care and regular dental checkups. But not everyone can benefit from a dental bridge. Your dentist can advise you on whether or not a dental bridge is necessary and, if so, which category would work best for you. Consult with your dentist about your choices.

 

Contact your Walnut Creek Dentist, Dr. Tiziana Procopio Towle, DDS, at Procopio Towle Dental Office to learn more about the different types of dental Bridges.

 

Resource:

 

How Do Fixed Bridges Work?

 

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.

Get to know us

The best and gentle Dentists and Team Member of Procopio Towle Dental Office are dedicated to providing top quality dental care to patients in Walnut Creek the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area.

Meet Our Dentist

Contact us

2229 Olympic Boulevard Walnut Creek, CA 94595

925-933-5677

Just dial "WE FLOSS"

On Key

Related Posts