If you have recently lost a tooth or had a tooth extraction, your dentist may recommend replacing the missing tooth with a dental bridge. A missing tooth can cause bite problems or create gaps. You may be wondering how does a bridge replace a missing tooth, and how does it work. Learning about the types of dental bridges can help you better understand your dentist’s recommendation when it is time to have a bridge and what to expect.
What are my dental bridge options?
Your dentist will recommend dental bridges as a solution to fill the gap between a lost tooth. Filling the lost tooth with a dental bridge fills gap creating a natural look to restore your smile. Your dentist can recommend one out of the four common dental bridges to replace the missing tooth.
- Traditional Fixed Bridges.
This type of dental bridges is made of one or more artificial teeth held in place with crowns. The crowns are cemented to the teeth surrounding the missing tooth. The crowns act as the post of a bridge to hold the artificial teeth in place. The main drawback of traditional bridges is that the two adjacent teeth may need dental work done in order to place the crowns. This may involve reshaping the adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges.
Cantilever bridges can be utilize using a one side only crown support. Your dentist may recommend cantilever bridges when it is not desirable to prepare two adjacent teeth for a bridge. It is also used if the back tooth is missing. A drawback of this type of bridge is that it may not be held in place firmly as a traditional fixed bridge. For this reason, your dentist will carefully evaluate the condition of your teeth before recommending a cantilever bridge.
- Maryland Bridges.
Maryland bridges are made using metal or porcelain scaffolding to provide support to the artificial tooth. This type of bridge is commonly used to replace the front teeth whereas traditional and cantilever bridges are often used to replace the back teeth Maryland bridges are often glued teeth on teeth, so they are not recommended for high pressure biting areas of your mouth.
Dental bridges have many advantages.
Dental bridges provide a pleasant cosmetic and functional treatment to eliminate gaps between teeth and prevent biting and chewing problems. Dental bridges are much economical alternative to restores tooth function than implant treatment. With a proper dental bridge treatment, a missing or damaged tooth will not affect the appearance of your smile or the general condition of your mouth. Dental bridges have many benefits. If your dentist recommends this treatment for your condition, call California Dental Group at 800-407-0161 to schedule your appointment.
