What are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

If you are missing one or more teeth you may be weighing your options on what to do to replace the missing teeth. When you are missing teeth, it is important for the overall health of your mouth and your appearance to replace them as soon as possible. When you have teeth missing, your mouth goes through a transition process. Over time, the bones and tissues in your mouth will change and move in order to compensate for the missing teeth. This can impede on the general functions of your mouth. Replacing the teeth will allow for the structure of your mouth to remain the same.

A dental bridge is one of the most common dental prosthetics used to replace missing teeth. A bridge is a great option for people missing one or a few teeth. If you think you may be a candidate for a bridge, consult your dentist. There are four types of bridges available and your dentist will help you determine which one is right for you.

Traditional Bridges

A traditional dental bridge is the most common type of bridge used. The traditional bridge is a simple design. One or more artificial teeth are connected to a metal base, which is attached to at least two crowns. These crowns fit on the existing teeth surrounding the gap from the missing teeth. The crowns are cemented onto the surrounding teeth, making the prosthetic permanent. A traditional bridge works for people who have their natural teeth still around the missing tooth (teeth). One downside to a traditional bridge is that in order to be installed, the teeth surrounding the gap need to be filed down in order to fit the crowns.

Cantilever Bridges

A Cantilever Bridge is very similar to a traditional bridge. The structure is essentially the same, except in a Cantilever Bridge, the artificial teeth are only secured with one crown. If you only have one natural tooth remaining near the gap left from the missing teeth, this would be the option for you. The crown is still installed the same way. The tooth that the crown will fit on is filed down and the crown is cemented in.

Maryland Bridges

A Maryland Bridge is structured a little differently than traditional or Cantilever bridges. A Maryland Bridge is not connected to any crowns. The artificial teeth are cemented onto a metal frame, which is then cemented to the back of the natural teeth surrounding the gap. The upside to this option is that your natural teeth do not need to be filed and fitted with a crown. The downside is that the durability and strength of the bridge is not as good as the traditional or Cantilever dental bridges.

Implant-Supported Bridges

An implant-supported bridge is a good option for people who have multiple missing teeth because there are not natural teeth to attach the crowns to. In this case, at least one implant is placed in the mouth. The bridge is then attached to the implant(s). Implant-supported dental bridges are very durable and are becoming more and more popular as dental technology advances.

More About Dental Bridges : What is a Dental Bridge?

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