Dental bridges are an extremely common treatment used for replacing missing teeth. If you are considering getting a dental bridge, you have many options available to you, but you will need some solid information to help you make an informed decision. If you practice proper oral care at home, as well as maintaining your dental cleaning appointments, your new dental bridge can be expected to last for a long time.
Traditional bridges are still the most popular type used for the restoration of missing teeth. They can be used in situations where you have natural teeth or dental implants available to anchor them.
Traditional bridges are normally small and lightweight. They offer enhanced chewing comfort because they redistribute the normal biting force that was once offered by your original teeth.
One drawback of the traditional bridge is that some tooth enamel must be removed prior to placement to make room for crowns placed on abutment teeth.
This type is normally used if only one anchor tooth is present. This is not normally a good choice for the back of the mouth because the abutment tooth can be placed under too much stress. However, if the front tooth is the cantilevered tooth, it often works out quite well.
This is a conservative solution that is a type of winged bridge, or resin-bonded bridge. It is basically plastic teeth strengthened by a metal frame.
Existing teeth are used to anchor metal attachments, which are bonded to them. Maryland bridges are often used on front teeth.
The advantage of Maryland bridges is that less adjustment is needed to abutment teeth. It is also a relatively inexpensive treatment compared to most traditional bridges.
A composite bridge makes a good solution for those who have one or two missing teeth and need a simple and inexpensive solution. Receiving a composite bridge only requires one dental visit in most cases. A special composite bonding material is added into the missing space.
Composite bridges are considered to be a temporary solution that makes a good choice for anyone with periodontal disease who wants to delay removing damaged teeth until it is absolutely necessary.
Implant-supported bridges are becoming increasingly popular, largely because their placement does not normally damage adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is completely supported by dental implants, which offers an extremely stable restoration.
Implant-supported dental bridges provide sufficient space to allow you to properly clean between your implants.
Would you like to receive more information about dental bridges? Or would you like to undergo an examination to learn if you would make a good candidate for receiving one? If so, contact our dental office today to book your initial consultation.
