Dental Bridges - What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?

Dental bridges are a good solution for missing teeth, preventing facial changes and chewing problems as well as avoiding complications like gum disease and tooth decay in adjacent teeth. They can be completed in a few comfortable appointments.

Traditional bridges use a frame that supports false teeth, secured by dental crowns on surrounding natural teeth. Patients must have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap to support the bridge.

Traditional Bridges

Traditional bridges, also known as fixed dental bridges bristol va, are a non-removable appliance that fill the gaps left by missing teeth. They are fabricated from a variety of materials, including porcelain fused to metal and engineered ceramic products such as zirconia, which provide strength, durability, and beauty. A patient with a gap in their smile can benefit greatly from this restoration, as it restores their ability to chew and speak normally, prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of position, and maintains normal facial structure.

This type of restoration gets fabricated over the course of several visits, which start with a comprehensive diagnostic workup. While a patient is numb, the anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) get prepared by removing a small amount of enamel. Then, an impression is taken and a temporary bridge is placed. At the final appointment, a permanent bridge is try-in and cemented, with the shade, contours, fit, and occlusion all getting checked and confirmed.

Maryland Bridges

A Maryland bridge is a type of dental bridge that’s similar to traditional ones, but it doesn’t require the abutment teeth to be fully covered by crowns. Instead, it features a metal framework with wings on both sides that can be bonded to the back side of adjacent teeth with resin. This method is minimally invasive and less costly than other alternatives for replacing missing front teeth.

It’s also an excellent choice for children with congenitally missing teeth until their bone maturity allows them to use a dental implant. In addition to being a viable option for addressing cosmetic concerns, it can also help improve speech clarity and chewing functionality.

For a Maryland bridge, the dentist will first take impressions of the mouth to create a custom-made bridge and pontic. After these have been made, they will be sent to a lab to be fabricated. During your second visit, the dentist will bond the bridge to the abutment teeth and check that your bite is in balance.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges differ from traditional dental bridges bristol va in that they require a single supporting tooth. This means that they are less invasive than other dental restoration options. They are most often used to replace missing front teeth because they blend in almost seamlessly with the natural surrounding teeth. However, they do pose a higher risk of damage to the single tooth that holds them in place since they are exposed to more stress than other dental restorations.

When you get a cantilever bridge, the dentist will first make sure that your surrounding teeth and gum tissues are healthy enough to support it. Once this is confirmed, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect the area until your custom dental bridge is fabricated at a lab. Once it is ready, we will remove the temporary bridge and then bond the permanent one to your adjacent teeth with dental cement. Keeping up with routine maintenance and oral hygiene will help maximize the longevity of your cantilever bridge.

Implant-Supported Bridges

While traditional bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants. They’re a great option for people who want a permanent solution to their missing teeth. They’re durable & offer a natural look and feel. Plus, they keep enough pressure on the underlying jawbone to prevent resorption & help maintain proper bone density.

One drawback of a traditional bridge is the potential for decay or gum disease in the abutment teeth (the natural teeth that serve as anchors for the bridge). Additionally, they can’t address underlying issues like bone loss in the area where a tooth has been lost.

Choosing the right type of replacement tooth for you will depend on your personal needs, budget, and lifestyle. Contact us to discuss your options & determine which is best for you! We’re here to help!