It is helpful to understand the different types of dental bridges to determine why your dentist may recommend a specific one. All dental bridges accomplish the same goal, which is to replace a missing tooth or a section of missing teeth. However, depending on the patient’s goals and the status of their oral health, a certain type of dental bridge may be preferable.
The four main types of dental bridges are fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bonded bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Although similar, there are small differences in the treatment processes for each one. This review discusses those processes and the benefits of the four types of dental bridges.
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. There are two main components to a dental bridge: the bridge itself and the abutments. The abutments are natural teeth that are supported by dental crowns. However, a bridge can be supported by dental implants as well.
A fixed bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. This refers to a bridge that is supported by two abutment teeth. The abutment teeth exist on each side of the gap left by the missing teeth. Attached to the abutments are dental crowns, which ensure that the pontic teeth that make up the bridge have adequate support. A fixed bridge likely requires the dentist to remove some of the enamel on the abutment teeth to make room for the bridge. A fixed bridge can be applied to any tooth, including premolars and molars.
A cantilever bridge is similar to a fixed bridge. However, the bridge is only attached to one abutment rather than an abutment on each side. Subsequently, cantilever bridges are less reliable than a fixed bridge, but they still should provide adequate support when they are recommended by a dentist. Of course, not every patient is eligible for a cantilever, depending on the status of their oral health and teeth replacement needs.
Maryland bonded bridges, also called resin-bonded bridges, are most often applied to teeth in the front of the mouth that are more visible. They are held in place by metal or porcelain bands that are attached to the back of the abutment teeth. They are preferable for replacing front teeth because they do not require placing crowns on the abutment teeth. However, they are not nearly as durable as fixed bridges or cantilever bridges.
Implant-supported bridges are bridges that are held together by dental implants. With these types of dental bridges, the implants replace the abutment teeth. This is typically preferred when the patient does not have adjacent teeth that can support the bridge.
If you would like to learn more about the different types of dental bridges, reach out to our dental practice today to arrange a consultation visit, during which we can discuss available treatment options.
Request an appointment here: https://mgdental.com or call MG Dental at (718) 416-6444 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Brooklyn, NY.
When you need dental bridges, your dentist will work with an oral surgeon to find the best solution for your problem. There are a few things that you can do in preparation for this procedure. This blog post outlines some of the steps you should take before going in for dental bridges surgery.Make a list…
In dentistry, a dental bridge is one of the popular options for closing the gap left by a lost or extracted tooth. Bridges are typically made up of crowns on the sides of the gap, which cover adjacent health teeth, called the abutment teeth. These teeth support the replacement teeth, which could be one or…
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that is used to literally bridge the gap between two teeth. Bridges are primarily used to hold artificial teeth in place by cementing a crown on the two healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. The anchoring teeth are known as abutments and the false tooth…
Think you might need a dental crown? Read on to learn more about this restoration. Dental crowns play an essential role in restorative dentistry and are used primarily for correcting damage to the teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 91% of Americans over the age of 20 have had cavities. Dental crowns…
When you need dental bridges, your dentist will work with an oral surgeon to find the best solution for your problem. There are a few things that you can do in preparation for this procedure. This blog post outlines some of the steps you should take before going in for dental bridges surgery.Make a list…
You are probably familiar with dental bonding as a way to repair cosmetic tooth concerns. The dentist will also use this to treat and repair cavities and other common dental health problems. There are many reasons why this approach is so common among patients of all ages. Before getting this treatment, your dentist will discuss…