Bridges
Dental bridges form a literal bridge over the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Typically, two or more crowns, placed on natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap, anchor the bridge. False teeth are located in the middle where the gap is. The false teeth in the middle can be made of alloys, gold, porcelain or a mixture of these materials, though we usually go with the option that matches the color of your natural teeth while providing plenty of durability and reliability.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a great option for patients with some missing teeth. They give patients many benefits including:
- Restoring your smile
- Allowing you to properly chew and speak
- Maintaining the shape of your face
- Replacing missing teeth which corrects the bite
- Preventing natural teeth from shifting and growing out of alignment
What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
There are three main types of dental bridges:
- Traditional bridges - These bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a false tooth in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge. They are made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
- Cantilever bridges - These bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap. Cantilever bridges are not as common.
- Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) - These bridges are traditional bridges that can also be fused to plastic teeth or gums and are supported by metal framework. These bridges usually feature metal or porcelain wings on one side of the bridge and is bonded to your natural teeth.
Bridges can last five to seven years if proper dental hygiene is practiced. Most bridges fail due to a cavity developing on a supporting tooth. These cavities can be prevented by brushing and flossing the teeth under the bridge.
Contact us today to set up an appointment to discuss how a dental bridge can help you achieve a bigger and brighter smile.