Types of Dental Bridges

Perhaps you’ve lost one or more of your teeth. In that case, you may need to get a bridge. But what’s the best type of bridge? Or even what types of bridges are there to choose from? Here’s what we know.

Traditional bridges 

This is the most popular type, where the natural teeth are able to surround the gap or missing tooth on each of these sides. Basically, the bridge involves one or two pontic teeth that are held by the abutment teeth, which is a fancy name for the natural teeth. The pontic teeth are fake teeth or dental crowns.

They’re usually made from porcelain or a ceramic, are then fused directly to metal, and are usually strong enough to be on par with molars. The downsides to this, is that there may be some enamel removed to make the crowns that are needed. Remember, this is irreversible, so usually, it won’t be able to grow back, and they’ll need crowns from here on out. 

Cantilever Bridges 

This is like a traditional, but usually, the bridge gets attached only on one side to the abutment teeth. The teeth naturally are usually on one side, which creates a gap, and then this secures this. Usually, this one also removes the enamel too. There were also more complications such as crowns being loosened, or the teeth being fractured.

Maryland Bridges 

This is a bonded resin bridge, and this is one that’s recommended for the full replacement of teeth near the front part of the mouth, as they use porcelain or metal kinds of bands to get to the back of the current adjacent teeth that are naturally there.

While this is more conservative, they usually don’t’ require the removal of the teeth enamel on the teeth next to where the bridge will be placed. The bridge won't be held by crowns.

The one downside to this one, is that it’s not as durable, and the problem with this, is that if the binding material isn’t good, it will not hold correctly, or stay in the locations that it’s supposed to be.  They’re also typically avoided on molars, as it usually gets affected by the biting of this.

Implant Bridges 

These are like the traditional bridges, but instead of your teeth naturally holding this together, it’s supported by the implants that are put in. These are usually used when more than one tooth is missing, or if there is a risk for higher pressure on this. Basically how this works is first the implant is placed in there, and that’s what keeps the bridge in place. The dentist might then put the pontic tooth that’s further suspended between both of the crowns that are supported by implants, if it’s not possible to have one implant for each tooth lost. 

Because it does require two surgeries to put this together, especially for the implants and the bridge, the biggest downside of this is that it takes around 7 or so months before it’s finally finished. 

When you have a dental bridge, it does require a certain commitment and you have to usually place these up to every seven or so years. You should also be mindful of avoiding certain foods that are sugary or sticky, and also seeing the dentist regularly.

Dental bridges are varied in the way that they’re able to properly help keep the teeth together, so keep them in mind when you’re trying to choose how you want to have your dental bridge put in, and what you’ve got in store for this as well for you.