What are the Main Types of Dental Bridges in Dentistry?
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are popular tooth restoration solutions to replace missing teeth. Whether you have missing teeth due to extraction, severe decay, or structural damage, dental bridges help bridge the gap left by your missing teeth. Your natural teeth on either side of the gap function as anchors, while the edentulous area in the middle is filled with an artificial tooth. After placement, dental bridges appear and feel natural.
If you think you are a candidate for dental bridges and visit the dentist in Fairfax to replace your missing teeth, the dentist examines the area where the dental bridge placement is needed. Depending on the location of the missing tooth, dental bridges may or may not be ideal. The natural teeth beside the edentulous Gap also need evaluation to ensure they are durable and support dental prosthetics. The underlying structures are also evaluated by dental x-rays or CBCT scans.
If your dentist determines you are suitable for dental bridges, the next step is to determine which type of dental bridge best suits your needs. Four types of dental bridges are currently available, offering different options depending on specific needs. Mentioned below are the four types of dental bridges for your reference.
Types of Dental Bridges
Below are the main types of dental bridges:
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are the most common, with one dental crown adhered to the natural teeth on both sides and an artificial tooth in between. The dental crowns function as anchors while the artificial tooth bridges the gap. The primary benefit of traditional bridges is their strength. However, they require compromising the structure of the two adjacent teeth to accommodate the dental crowns.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
Cantilever dental bridges differ from traditional bridges and require only one anchor tooth beside the missing tooth gap. They aren’t as popular as conventional bridges and are often ideal in the front portion of your mouth. If you have lost back teeth, cantilever bridges are not suitable because of the higher biting pressures. However, if your dentist can place cantilever bridges in the back of your mouth, it helps save time and money.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
Maryland bonded Bridges use the same structure as traditional bridges. However, instead of anchoring the bridge to dental crowns, Maryland bridges use porcelain or a metal framework. The framework eliminates the need to modify the structure of the natural teeth making these bridges a more conservative and affordable option than traditional bridges. Unfortunately, the strength of the adhesive and metal framework causes tooth discoloration.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported Bridges also use a similar structure to traditional bridges except for being anchored with dental implants. Implant-supported bridges do not require neighboring teeth and help span large gaps if you have multiple teeth missing. Dental implants are also recognized for their strength, durability, and ability to restore standard functionality. Unfortunately, implant-supported Bridges need invasive placement and a lengthy recovery period.
The four types of dental bridges offer you a variety of restoration options. Traditional and Maryland bridges help in situations where you have teeth on either side of the gap. Cantilever bridges help if you have merely one tooth on one side of the opening. Finally, implant-supported Bridges are helpful when you have multiple missing teeth or don’t have healthy natural teeth adjacent to the gap.
Dental bridges in Fairfax, VA, undoubtedly have their pros and cons. However, the dentists at the facility can advise you which dental bridge best suits your specific situation. Selecting the optimal dental bridge for you helps improve your oral health besides your appearance.
Why Consider Replacing Missing Teeth?
Whether you have a single or several missing teeth getting replacements for them becomes an essential requirement. Missing teeth don’t just affect your smile but also affect your eating and chewing to leave you malnourished besides causing other problems.
The remaining teeth in your mouth gradually begin shifting towards the missing tooth gap to create misalignments in your mouth. As a result, your jawbone starts deteriorating because the missing teeth make your facial features sag to make you appear older. In addition, the edentulous gap becomes a fertile ground for bacteria and food particles to remain trapped and create problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
You can overcome all the issues mentioned by replacing the missing teeth in your mouth as soon as possible using dental bridges. The bridges help restore your mouth functionality and appearance to improve your quality of life.
Conclusion
If you think dental bridges are appropriate for your situation, please visit or book an appointment with Drummond Dental Care to evaluate and receive dental bridges to close the gaps in your mouth.