Find a Bridge Solution with Help from a Local Cosmetic Dentist
Do you have missing teeth that you’d like to replace? Dental bridges can help! If you’ve lost one or more teeth, a bridge might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Your cosmetic dentist can create a bridge that matches the appearance of your remaining natural teeth. In turn, this restores the function of your teeth and the appearance of your smile. But how do dental bridges work, and do dentists install them?
Bridges Explained
Dental bridges are a false tooth (or pontic) supported by crowns or wings placed on either side of a gap. They use dental crowns or wings to support the false teeth that bridge a gap between missing teeth.
These crowns and bridges get secured to teeth on either side of the gap created by a missing tooth. Dentists call these supporting teeth “abutment teeth.” Abutment teeth are the traditional support for a bridge, but it’s more and more common to see implant-supported bridges, too.
By bridging gaps caused by missing teeth, dental bridges restore your smile and help you to:
- Chew and speak with normal function again;
- Keep the natural shape of your face; and,
- Prevent remaining teeth from moving or shifting.
Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the various types of bridges:
Traditional Dental Bridges
These are the most common type of dental bridges. Traditional bridges rely on crowns affixed to abutment teeth, supporting the pontic. These bridges are often made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Traditional bridges may take more time than other options as they rely on crown placement. Crowns often need two appointments to ensure optimal results.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
If there are only suitable adjacent teeth on one side of the gap, cantilever bridges are the best bet. These bridges rest on abutment teeth on one side of the missing tooth instead of both. In these cases, the pontic is “outside” the abutment tooth, instead of between.
Maryland Dental Bridges
These bridges use metal or porcelain wings to bond the bridge to the adjacent teeth. When dentists refer to resin-bonded or Maryland-bonded bridges, this is what they are referring to. Common materials include plastic teeth, porcelain teeth, or porcelain fused to metal. Maryland bridges often align frontal teeth.
Missing teeth can hinder your ability to speak and chew, leaving you self-conscious about your smile. If you’re missing a tooth or several teeth, consider dental bridges! They are often more affordable than dental implants and offer a faster procedure. You’ll be back to normal in no time!
