Types of Dental Bridges Explained: Which One Fits Your Needs?

Posted by alphadental_aDmEEn
Dental Bridges Treatment in Marion 4Jan

Missing teeth can be a big challenge, both for your smile and your confidence. Having a dental bridge treatment near you can help restore your smile by filling in those gaps. But choosing the right one is important. In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of dental bridges and help you figure out which one might be best for you.

  1. What is a Dental Bridge?

This is a prosthetic device that fills correctly the gap formed by a single or several missing teeth. It is anchored onto surrounding teeth or implants, making it a great solution for restoring both functionality and appearance. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or a lot of teeth, dental bridges can improve your ability to chew with ease and speak properly while also keeping your surrounding teeth in place.

Dental bridges come in various types, and the right one for you depends on factors like your oral health, budget, and long-term goals. But first, let’s break down the types of dental bridges so you can see which one fits your needs best.

  1. Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges

These are the most common type. They are made of either porcelain or ceramic materials, which are designed to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth. Traditional bridges are anchored to the teeth next to the missing one, offering strong support.

  • Ideal candidates: These bridges are great for patients with healthy surrounding teeth.
  • How they work: The dentist will prepare the adjacent teeth by removing a bit of enamel to make room for the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.

Traditional bridges are known for their durability and aesthetic appearance, which is why they are a go-to option for many people.

Cantilever Dental Bridges

This is similar to a traditional one, but it’s anchored on only one side to the adjacent tooth. This type of bridge is ideal for situations where only one tooth is available to support the bridge.

  • When are they used?: Cantilever bridges are often used when there is a gap between teeth, but only one healthy tooth remains on one side of the missing tooth.
  • Benefits and drawbacks: They are less invasive than traditional bridges, but since they have less support, they might not be as durable in the long term.

Cantilever bridges are a good option for some, but your dentist will help determine if they’re the best fit for your situation.

Maryland Dental Bridges

Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland dental bridges use a framework of metal or porcelain that attaches to the back of the adjacent teeth. This method is more conservative because it doesn’t require grinding down the adjacent teeth.

  • How they differ: Instead of crowns covering the adjacent teeth, the Maryland bridge uses a resin-bonded framework.
  • Suitable situations: This option is perfect for replacing a single missing tooth in the front of your mouth, where appearance matters more, and the surrounding teeth are strong enough to support the bridge.

While Maryland bridges are less invasive, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who experience heavy biting pressure.

Implant-Supported Bridges

As the name suggests, implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants rather than adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is ideal for people who are missing more than one tooth in a row and don’t have enough healthy teeth to support a traditional bridge.

  • Advantages: Implant-supported bridges offer long-lasting durability and better stability. They also help preserve bone structure by stimulating the jawbone, which can be a concern with traditional bridges.
  • How they work: The process involves placing dental implants into the jawbone, which serves as the foundation for the bridge.

While more expensive than other types, implant-supported bridges provide an excellent solution for patients with good oral health and the budget to match.

  1. Choosing the Right Dental Bridge for Your Needs

When selecting a dental bridge, several factors come into play. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Oral health: If your adjacent teeth are healthy, traditional bridges may be an excellent choice. However, if your bone structure or gums are weak, an implant-supported bridge might be better.
  • Budget: The cost of dental bridges can vary greatly. Traditional and cantilever bridges are generally more affordable than implant-supported ones.
  • Longevity and aesthetics: If you want a long-lasting and natural-looking result, implant-supported bridges or traditional bridges may be your best bet.

It’s crucial to consult with your dentist in Marion to determine which type will work best for your specific needs.

  1. What to Expect During the Dental Bridge Procedure?

The tooth bridge procedure typically involves a few visits to your dentist. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Initial consultation: Your dentist will do an evaluation of your teeth and discuss the type of bridge that’s right for you.
  • Preparation: If needed, your adjacent teeth will be reshaped to support the bridge. Impressions or outlines will be taken to create a custom bridge.
  • Fitting: Once the bridge is ready, your dentist will fit it and make adjustments to ensure comfort and a natural look.

The entire process usually takes a few weeks, but the end result is worth it!

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right dental bridge is crucial to restoring your smile and functionality. Whether you opt for a traditional, cantilever, or implant-supported bridge, make sure to consult with a professional like our team at Alpha Dental to ensure the best fit for your needs. Your dentist will help you get a know-how of the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.

Click to listen highlighted text!