If you are missing one or more teeth, you may feel self-conscious to smile or speak, but dental bridges can change all that.
Designed to fill — or bridge — the gap between missing teeth, these prosthetic devices are anchored on either side by natural, healthy teeth or implants. Bridges can not only restore your smile and confidence but also save you from problems that can occur due to teeth that are missing, such as shifting and bite issues and bone loss and distortion.
Let’s take a look at the different types of dental bridges and how they can help keep your smile looking great and staying healthy.
01: Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the most common type of dental bridge and is ideal for those missing a single tooth. With this type of bridge, dental crowns are adhered to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap and act as anchors for an artificial tooth, called a pontic.
02: Maryland Dental Bridge
Commonly used for a missing front tooth, this style of bridge is similar to the traditional one, but instead of anchoring the pontic in place with crowns, a metal or porcelain framework is bonded to the back of the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, creating a hidden support system for the false tooth.
03: Cantilever Dental Bridge
Used for patients missing one or two teeth, especially for those without healthy neighboring teeth on one side of the gap, this bridge only needs one point of contact and is bonded to just one crown on the healthy side of the open space.
04: Implant-supported Dental Bridge
Patients missing three or more teeth in a row can benefit from this type of dental bridge since a more stable and permanent solution is necessary. An implant-supported bridge is just as it sounds — a bridge anchored by implants, which are fake teeth surgically secured to your jawbone by metal posts.
This procedure can take some time since it is twofold: first each implant will be surgically embedded, then the bridge itself will be surgically placed.
It’s also important to note that this option is only viable if the jawbone, surrounding teeth, and gums are all healthy.
How Do Different Types of Dental Bridges Help?
Which type of dental bridge is best for you depends on your individual situation including the number of missing teeth you have, as well as the health of your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone. However, no matter the type of bridge, the benefits are the same.
By filling the empty spaces left behind from your missing teeth, bridges not only restore your smile and the confidence you once had but also restore your ability to chew properly and enjoy eating again. In addition, bridges help to improve speech and pronunciation and keep your healthy teeth from moving out of position, thus keeping your bite intact and your jawbone from distorting.
Proper Care is Key for Making All Types of Dental Bridges Last
To keep your dental bridge — and your mouth — in tip-top shape, it’s a good idea to avoid foods such as nuts, popcorn, and caramel. Regular cleaning can make your bridge last ten years or more. It’s also vital for keeping plaque and bacteria from accumulating, which can result in bad breath, or worse, gum disease or tooth decay! Brush and floss your bridge daily just as you do your natural teeth. An electric toothbrush or Waterpik can be especially effective in getting in and around all the areas of your bridge.
Find the Type of Dental Bridge for You!
Do you have missing teeth? You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge. Get in touch with Mogren Dental, and let our experts determine the solution that will work best for you. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online and we’ll help you get your smile back, and keep it healthy and strong!
