Types of Dental Bridges: Which One Is Right For You?

It is easy to comprehend that once one or more teeth are lost, the quest to replace those teeth begins immediately. Missing teeth can be a result of an injury, aging, or infection. On the other hand, missing single or multiple teeth in your mouth could be viewed as quite confidence-busting and embarrassing when smiling. Consult the Aransas Pass Dentist TX nearby, and they will recommend dental bridges as one of the options to fill in that gap between your smile.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a Pontic or an artificial tooth which anchors teeth on either side of a missing tooth gap caused by a missing tooth. The pontics will be made from gold, aside from other materials. But they are usually fabricated from porcelain, so they blend in with the rest of your natural teeth. Bridges are for dental bridges if you refuse to have loose teeth and think that is what must have been placed in the space or spaces left by the missing tooth.

The dental bridges can make 3 types of the most suitable for one. We advise that no one should take Dental Bridges as simple artificial teeth that are easily bought over the counter. Rather, you can have a sneak preview of the various classifications of dental bridges stated below and conclude the type of bridge that is best suited for a particular patient.

Types of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges will amaze you with information that you can replace your missing teeth with four kinds of dental bridges. Each variant is different and used for a specific purpose. The four types of bridges are traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported bridges. First, let us look at how each variant helps you replace your lost teeth.

Traditional Dental Bridge

Traditional dental bridges are composed of a false tooth flanked by dental crowns, which are cemented onto abutment teeth. Traditional dental bridges are the most common and are helpful if you have natural teeth on either side of the gap your missing tooth has created.

Cantilever Dental Bridge

Cantilever dental bridges are similar to traditional dental bridges. However, their application varies since cantilever bridges are supported by a dental crown that is cemented on one abutment tooth only. Hence, the Aransas Pass Dentist TX provides you with a cantilever bridge as long as you have one natural tooth beside the edentulous gap.

Maryland Dental Bridge

Maryland dental bridges require two supporting teeth on either side of the gap left by the lost tooth. However, Maryland bridges don’t require dental crowns on the abutment teeth because a metal or porcelain framework helps bond the bridge to the back of the supporting teeth. Hence, Maryland bridges are helpful if you have natural teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges involve the use of dental implants over crowns or frameworks. Several missing teeth necessitate the number of implants and placement that supports the dental bridge once you are healed from the surgery. If you cannot get an implant for every tooth that is missing, then the Aransas Pass Dentist TX can suspend an artificial tooth between two implant-supported crowns.
Implant-supported bridges are the most robust and stable. They involve two surgeries: one to put the implant into your jawbone and the other to place the dental bridge. These, however, require many months before the procedure can be complete.

Factors in Choosing the Right Type of Dental Bridge

To determine the appropriate type of bridge for you, a dentist will evaluate several factors, including:

• Your age (bridges are generally not recommended for children).
• The number of missing teeth.
• The size of the gap.
• The condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap.
• Whether you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
• The overall health of your teeth and gums.
• Your personal preferences.

Dental Bridge Benefits And Risks

What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges have many advantages. However, the disadvantages are several:

Advantages of dental bridges

Dental bridges can:

• Provide a natural-appearing alternative for tooth loss.
• Restore chewing and speaking ability, as missing teeth can affect the ability to chew or speak properly.
• Block the shifting of adjacent teeth due to the space created by a missing tooth.

Disadvantages of dental bridges

Dental bridges do have some disadvantages:

• If your abutment teeth start to decay or suffer from trauma, then your dental bridge could be weakened.
• Abutment teeth that are not strong enough to support the bridge can even fracture.
• If you do not take proper care to clean the bridge along with the underlying gum tissues routinely, then plaque and bacteria may cause inflammation of the gums or even lead to cavity formation.

Conclusion

Missing teeth can affect your smile, chewing, and speaking. If you’re missing one to four teeth in a row, a dental bridge might be a good solution. Bridges are slightly more comfortable than partial dentures but less costly than dental implants. If you have a problem, such as missing teeth, you should get advice from your dentist. It will benefit you, as they can show you the best options that will fit your needs, budget, and personal choice.