What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are a type of oral prosthetic used to bridge gaps between teeth. If you’re missing teeth, this fixed appliance can restore your smile to its near-original condition and lower your risk of common oral health problems, such as gum recession and bone decay, by preventing your teeth from shifting.
Dental bridges contain an artificial tooth (pontic) and crowns or a metal framework to hold it in place. Bridges rely on your healthy, permanent teeth for support, and are highly durable. With proper care, they can last for 10-15 years.
Are there different types of dental bridges?
At Desert Dentist, the team offers several types of dental bridges, including:
Traditional dental bridges
A traditional dental bridge features one artificial tooth and two dental crowns. The false tooth fills the gap where your permanent tooth once was and your dentist bonds the two crowns to your healthy abutment teeth on either side of the gap. This is the most popular type of bridge.
Cantilever dental bridges
If you’re missing more than one permanent tooth, your Desert Dentist provider might recommend a cantilever bridge. A cantilever bridge features an artificial tooth, but it only needs one dental crown for support. To receive a cantilever bridge, you only need one healthy tooth on either side of the gap.
Maryland dental bridges
A Maryland dental bridge relies on a metal framework for support instead of dental crowns. Your dentist bonds the metal framework to the back of your healthy permanent teeth on either side of a gap.
Implant-supported dental bridges
Implant-supported dental bridges require surgery, but they’re also the longest lasting. An implant-supported bridge attaches to a dental implant. Dental implants are surgically placed and mimic the strength and durability of your natural, permanent teeth.
What are the advantages of a dental bridge?
Dental bridges provide a wide range of advantages, including:
- Improved speech and pronunciation
- Easier chewing and biting
- Increased confidence
- Improved oral health
Dental bridges also prevent your remaining teeth from moving out of the proper position.
What type of dental bridge will I most benefit from?
Only a qualified dentist like those at Desert Dentist can determine the type of dental bridge from which you’ll most benefit.
Following an oral exam, a review of your medical history, and a discussion of your goals for treatment, the Desert Dentist team can develop a custom care plan that aligns with your individual needs.
To request your dental bridge appointment at Desert Dentist, call the office or click the online scheduling tool.
