Types of Dental Bridges and How to Choose the Best One

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge consists of a pontic or false tooth supported by adjacent natural teeth. Dental bridges are custom-made from a patient’s dental impressions. A bridge can be made of different materials, including porcelain or ceramic, metal alloy, or a combination of porcelain and metal.

Ceramic dental bridges offer numerous advantages, including superior aesthetics and durability. They’re also stain-resistant.

Why Would You Need a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are primarily used after an adult loses a permanent tooth. A few things tend to happen after tooth loss. First, your bone density may begin to decline due to a lack of jawbone stimulation. Second, the remaining teeth may start to drift into the gap created by the missing teeth. Third, tooth and bone loss usually result in sagging facial features, a phenomenon known as a bite or facial collapse. These situations can lead to a significant loss of self-confidence.

These are just a few of the consequences of tooth loss. If you’ve recently undergone tooth loss, it’s vital that you start looking into tooth replacement options. One treatment used to tackle tooth loss is dental bridges.

If you’re considering a dental bridge procedure, please call Weymouth Dental Associates today to schedule a comprehensive consultation.

Types of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges come in four different types, all of which are available at Weymouth Dental Associates. They include traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant-retained bridges.

Before undergoing a dental bridge procedure, your dentist evaluates your needs carefully to determine the best-suited dental bridge.

Traditional Bridge

A conventional bridge comprises one or more pontic teeth supported by a healthy tooth on either side of the gap. To receive this kind of bridge, you need at least two natural teeth, one on each side of the tooth gap. The natural teeth are reshaped and then crowned to complete the dental restoration.

Maryland-Bonded Bridge

Maryland-bonded bridges are a modification of conventional bridges. Like traditional bridges, Maryland-bonded bridges utilize two teeth for support. However, instead of dental crowns, Maryland-bonded bridges rely on porcelain or metal wings for support. These wings are attached to the underside of the adjacent teeth.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is supported by one tooth. Cantilever bridges may not be ideal for the back teeth as they can exert excessive chewing pressure on a single tooth. You’re a likely candidate for a cantilever bridge if you only have a single tooth next to your missing tooth or if one of your adjacent teeth has an existing restoration.

Implant-Supported Bridge

If you’ve experienced tooth loss and lack enough natural teeth for support, the dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge. This kind of bridge utilizes artificial anchor teeth. As such, it doesn’t interfere with the structure of natural teeth.

Choosing a Dental Bridge

Before getting dental bridges, your dentist carefully evaluates your suitability for this type of restoration. The dentist considers:

• The severity of tooth loss
• The location of tooth loss
• Your gum health
• Your bone health
• Your expectations and preferences

Based on these criteria, the dentist develops a treatment plan that addresses your requirements comprehensively.

Dental Bridges Treatment Procedure

Generally, a dental bridge procedure for a conventional bridge follows the steps below:

• The dentist prepares the abutment teeth by reshaping them in readiness to receive crowns. Please note that Maryland bonded bridges don’t require teeth to be reshaped, so you’ll skip this step if you require these bridges.
• The dentist obtains your impressions and sends these to the dental lab.
• If required, the dentist places a temporary bridge to improve your smile while your permanent bridge is being created.
• On your second visit, the dentist removes the temporary restoration and replaces it with your permanent bridge.

If you require implant-supported ceramic dental bridges, you’ll require dental implant surgery.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

As with most dental care options, dental bridges come with a set of pros and cons. These must be carefully considered by anyone seeking tooth replacement after tooth loss.

Advantages

• You can replace your tooth in as few as two visits.
• Except in the case of implant-retained bridges, this tooth replacement option is non-invasive.
• Bridges are sturdier and more durable than dentures.
• Dental bridges restore chewing ability, proper speech, and self-confidence.
• Bridges are cost-effective.

Disadvantages

• Bridges require the reshaping of healthy teeth, which permanently alters the tooth structure.
• Bacteria and food debris can get stuck under the dental crowns, increasing your risk of cavities.
• Dental bridges don’t prevent bone loss since they hover above the gumline. Implant-supported bridges do a better job of keeping the bone stimulated, thus preventing bone loss.

Schedule Your Appointment

Are you looking to get ceramic dental bridges in Weymouth, MA? Please call Weymouth Dental Associates to experience outstanding dental care custom-tailored to suit your unique needs.