Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?

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 attached to the crowns is known as the pontic.

If you have a missing tooth, or multiple missing teeth, a dental bridge is one of the best non-invasive ways to replace the missing tooth. However, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to get your mouth examined to determine the type of dental bridge to use to replace your missing tooth.

Types of dental bridges

Like most prosthetic dental devices, dental bridges are made from a variety of materials. The most popular types of bridges are the ones made from porcelain and ceramic because they look like your natural teeth and can be color-matched to your teeth, making them hard to distinguish.

Metal alloy bridges are the cheapest option, but they are not as popular as porcelain or ceramic because they do not look like natural teeth and are easy to spot. Below are the different types of dental bridges currently available.

Traditional bridge

This is the most commonly used type of dental bridge. The procedure is used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the space where your missing tooth used to be. Dental crowns are cemented on both teeth and hold the artificial tooth in place in the space left by the missing tooth.

Traditional dental bridges are strong enough to replace your molars and can last years before they have to be replaced. The downside to traditional bridges is that your dentist will have to remove the enamel on the adjacent teeth to fit the crowns on top of them.

Maryland bridge

This type of dental bridge is a conservative alternative to a traditional bridge, used when patients do not want dental crowns used to hold the artificial tooth in place. The procedure requires the bonding of either a metal or porcelain framework to the back of the adjacent teeth.

Since the artificial tooth is held in place by a frame, it is not as sturdy as the traditional bridge, which holds the tooth in place with cement.

Cantilever bridge

Like the traditional dental bridge, a cantilever bridge holds the artificial tooth in place by cementing the tooth. However, this method only uses one of the adjacent teeth to hold the artificial tooth in place.

Implant-supported bridge

Implant-supported bridges have become popular when it comes to replacing missing teeth because they can be used to fix multiple missing teeth at the same time. Instead of using dental crowns or frames, your dentist will replace your missing tooth with a dental implant, which holds the bridge in place.

This procedure is very popular because it is the most durable type of dental bridge. You do not have to worry about the bridge failing or your artificial teeth falling out of place because the implants are fused to your jaw bone and can last up to a lifetime if you take proper care of them.

Conclusion

Dental bridges are used to replace missing or damaged teeth, helping to restore your smile and confidence. If you have missing teeth and want to get the problem fixed, talk to your dentist to find out more about whether a dental bridge might be right for you.

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.

Recent Posts

Ask A Dentist: How Do I Prepare For A Dental Bridges Procedure?

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…

Are There Different Types Of Dental Bridges?

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…

How A Dental Bridge Addresses A Missing Tooth

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…

3 Reasons Why A Dentist May Recommend A Dental Crown

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…

Recent Posts

Laser Dentistry Procedures

3 Laser Dentistry Procedures

Laser dentistry has been around for several years. In recent years, it has become more popular because it offers an effective way to perform many procedures. Dentists use lasers to treat a variety of conditions, including tooth decay. Read on to find out when your general dentist may recommend laser dentistry.Many dental professionals believe that…

What To Expect At Your Family Dentist Appointment

What To Expect At Your Family Dentist Appointment

An appointment with a family dentist will always be customized according to a patient’s unique needs, but there are still a few things that you can typically expect. Family dentists aim to identify problems early, before they become significant issues. They will strive to ensure that your teeth last as long as possible while giving…

Now offering virtual consultations for emergency care!