Types of Dental Bridges

Losing a tooth can affect more than just your smile; it can also impact how you eat, speak, and maintain oral health. Dental bridges are a popular and effective solution for filling gaps left by missing teeth. By understanding the different types of dental bridges, you can work with a general dentist to find the best fit for your specific needs.

Traditional dental bridges

Traditional dental bridges are one of the most common tooth replacement options. This type of bridge includes artificial teeth, known as pontics, that fill the gap and can replace up to four consecutively missing teeth. Dental crowns, which are natural-looking caps fitted over the adjacent natural teeth, will hold the pontics in their position. Often, the dentist must reshape the adjacent teeth, or abutment teeth, to better accommodate the crowns.

Traditional dental bridges are durable and reliable, especially for patients with strong and healthy teeth adjacent to the gap. They are designed to handle the pressures of chewing and speaking and offer functional and natural-looking replacements.

Cantilever dental bridges

A cantilever dental bridge is slightly different from the traditional design because only one tooth is required to support it. This makes it a practical option when only a single healthy tooth is next to the gap. Dentists typically recommend them for missing front teeth or areas in the mouth that do not endure heavy chewing force. While effective, they require careful placement to ensure the pressure on the supporting tooth does not lead to complications. This option offers a minimally invasive solution for specific cases where the patient may not qualify for a traditional dental bridge.

Maryland dental bridges

Maryland dental bridges, or resin-bonded bridges, are a more conservative option for replacing missing teeth. Instead of crowns, they use metal or porcelain wings that bond to the back of the adjacent teeth. This means less alteration of the surrounding teeth is necessary, which helps preserve their natural structure.

Like cantilever bridges, Maryland dental bridges work well for replacing front teeth, where the chewing forces are lower. However, because the bond is not as strong as traditional crowns, Maryland bridges may not be ideal for molars or other teeth that experience significant pressure. Despite this, they provide an aesthetically pleasing and minimally invasive option for restoring patients' smiles.

Implant-supported dental bridges

Implant-supported dental bridges are favorites among dentists due to their durability and their ability to stimulate the jawbone and gum tissue. Instead of relying on natural teeth, this bridge is anchored by a dental implant that serves as artificial tooth roots. This is the most invasive option for all dental bridges because it requires multiple surgeries. However, they do not require surrounding teeth to be reshaped, preserving more of the patient's natural smile. While the process involves multiple steps, including the surgical placement of implants, the results are well worth the effort for many patients seeking a durable and natural-looking solution.