Dental Bridges Types
Ritter and Ramsey General and Cosmetic Dentistry service Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and all of Palm Beach County, Florida.
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement restoration that is custom-made to each patient's smile. The bridge is used to "bridge the gap" between missing teeth to enhance a patient's smile as well as repair many issues with the functionality of the mouth.
There are a few different types of dental bridges available to patients. The restorations can be classified into three: Cantilever bridges, Traditional bridges, and Maryland bonded bridges. Read on for the break down of facts for how each one can benefit your smile.
- Traditional Bridges: A fabricated tooth (typically made from porcelain) is custom made to be supported by the dental crowns that fit over the adjacent teeth. This ensures that the bridge is held in the appropriate position. The traditional fixed bridge is stable and can be used anywhere in the mouth. This version is permanent and doesn't require replacement for nearly 10+ years.
- Cantilever Bridges: This version of the dental bridge is used when the tooth is missing on a single side where the pontic would be fixed. This means, only a single side of the missing tooth has a healthy tooth to support the bridge. This bridge is not typically recommended because it may cause instability due to too much pressure placed on the single supporting tooth.
- Maryland Bridges: This dental bridge restoration is referred to as resin-bonded bridges. They are most suitable for replacing missing front teeth. The Maryland bridges are made up of porcelain that is bonded to teeth using metal "wings"; The wings are bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. Unlike the traditionally installed dental bridge, the Maryland Bridge does not require filing down of the adjacent teeth to allow space for the dental crowns. The metal wings are fixed behind the abutting teeth. They are most suitable where minimal stress is applied, as the front teeth.
Benefits of the Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. The three versions of this restoration have properties that may make them more preferred in one situation or another.
The traditional dental bridge is highly used in the dental cosmetic industry. It is the best and most durable option when replacing a tooth with two adjacent teeth neighboring it. It is more recommended for use if the neighboring teeth are chipped or cracked as the dental crown can protect the teeth from further damage and maintain the overall health.
Cantilever bridges can be used where there is a tooth on only one side of the missing tooth. The pressure will be focused on one tooth rather than two. This version is used when the patient has only one tooth strong enough to withstand the tooth replacement. It can also be used for teeth that should be replaced at the end of the jaw bone arch (in the very back).
A Maryland bridge is highly suitable for patients who do not want to trim the adjacent teeth for dental crowns, like in the case of a missing front tooth. Filing down of the adjacent teeth is not necessary since pontics can be placed behind the abutting teeth. Missing teeth can affect the function of your mouth and disrupt daily functions like chewing, talking, drinking and more. Talk to your dentist about how a dental bridge can repair these issues and restore the aesthetics of your smile.
Ritter and Ramsey team to provide the best in cosmetic and general dentistry procedures for you and your entire family, including dental bridges. Experience the difference, consult with Ritter and Ramsey today.
Interesting in reading more about dental bridges? Read here for more information about different frequently asked questions on dental bridges.