Dental Bridges

Traditional dental bridges are the most commonly used type and consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns. These crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth or implants adjacent to the gap. The pontic(s) effectively “bridge” the space left by missing teeth, restoring chewing ability and preventing neighboring teeth from shifting out of position.

The benefits of traditional bridges include:

• Bridges are crafted to match your natural teeth in terms of color and shape, enhancing your smile’s appearance.
• Bridges restore proper chewing function and speech clarity by filling the gap left by missing teeth.
• Missing teeth can cause facial muscles to sag over time. Bridges help maintain the natural shape and contour of your face.
• Bridges reduce strain on remaining natural teeth by evenly distributing the forces of biting and chewing.

Cantilever bridges are used when supporting teeth are only available on one side of the missing tooth or teeth. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on support from both sides of the gap, cantilever bridges are anchored on one side only. While less common than traditional bridges, they can be viable depending on your dental situation.

The benefits of cantilever bridges include:

• They require minimal preparation of adjacent teeth compared to traditional bridges, which can be advantageous if neighboring teeth are healthy.
• These bridges provide a stable solution for replacing missing teeth in areas where supporting teeth are only available on one side. Contact us today to learn more!

Maryland bonded bridges are a conservative alternative to traditional bridges, especially for replacing front teeth. They consist of a pontic held in place by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent natural teeth. This type of bridge is less invasive because it requires minimal alteration of adjacent teeth.

The benefits of Maryland bonded bridges include:

• They require minimal preparation of adjacent teeth, preserving their natural structure.
• The bonding procedure is relatively simple and requires less time than other types of bridges.
• The porcelain or ceramic pontics and framework blend in seamlessly with natural teeth, providing a natural-looking smile.

Implant-supported bridges are anchored in place by dental implants rather than crowns placed on natural teeth. This type of bridge is recommended when multiple adjacent teeth are missing or the adjacent natural teeth are not strong enough to support a traditional bridge.

The benefits of implant-supported bridges include:

• Implants provide a stable foundation for the bridge, offering long-lasting durability and functionality.
• Unlike traditional bridges, adjacent natural teeth need not be prepared or altered to support the bridge.
• Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to maintain bone density and prevent bone loss.