A dental bridge is a method of replacing one or more lost teeth. People often use the word bridge to indicate a removable tooth replacement option, but dentists have a different opinion. Dental professionals consider bridges as a device that attaches to the teeth permanently and is not removable — at least not by patients. There are different bridge options in terms of design and material, all of which serve the same purpose.
In every type of dental bridge, the replacement tooth is known as the pontic. The pontic provides tooth functions and attaches to underlying support through retainers or abutments (the structure varies based on the type of dental bridge). Every bridge needs adjacent structures for support, and the pontic lies on top of the gum tissue. Some of the dental bridge options available include the below.
The traditional bridge is the most popular type of bridge. It uses dental crowns to cover the teeth on the two sides of the gap. The pontic attaches to the abutment crowns so that the bridge becomes a large unit. The number of pontic depends on the number of missing teeth; together with the retainer crowns, the traditional bridge for a single missing tooth is a three-unit setup.
Traditional bridges should only be used for one or two missing teeth. The strength of the bridge depends on the supporting structures (root and gum) of the abutment teeth.
A cantilever bridge utilizes one abutment tooth on one side of the gap. This means the pontic has only one attachment to a healthy tooth. The strongest tooth near the area gets a dental crown and provides the support needed. This option works better for small teeth that experience minimal chewing forces.
Possible flexing is one of the drawbacks of cantilever bridges. There are rare cases where the cantilever bridge survives several years of use. In most cases, the flexing and chewing forces acceptable by the structure of the cantilever eventually displace the bridge or damage the supporting retainer tooth.
This is a variation of the traditional bridge. It uses small wings to hold the pontic, instead of complete dental crowns. The wings lie on the biting surface of the nearby teeth and fixed with dental cement. They are effective options for replacing one front tooth and are highly conservative. They require minimal or zero removal of healthy tooth structure.
Maryland bridges are not suitable for back teeth since the heavy chewing forces can dislodge them. If they are used, it is usually a temporary solution. The drawback of this bridge is the risk of debonding and falling out. Since they are mostly used for front teeth, it can lead to an embarrassing situation.
An implant-supported bridge is like a regular bridge but uses dental implants for support, instead of adjacent teeth. It is an excellent choice for those who have lost multiple teeth since only two implants can support a bridge with four or more pontics. The main benefit is that they have a lower failure rate and provide better support for chewing.
If you have missing teeth and are considering dental bridge, contact our dental office to schedule a consultation with the dentist.
Request an appointment here: http://www.gentletouchdentalcare.com or call Gentle Touch Dental Care at (718) 924-2387 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Forest Hills, NY.
Think you might need a dental bridge? Read on to learn more about this restoration. According to the National Institute of Craniofacial and Dental Research, adults aged 20–64 have an average of three decayed or missing teeth. A dental bridge is among the most important restorative dentistry procedures, helping to restore optimal dental health and…
A dental bridge, sometimes described as fixed partial dentures, is a type of dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are made of porcelain or other materials. The tooth or teeth on either side of the gap are prepared to receive crowns and false teeth (known as pontics). The false teeth…
Along with other treatments, a dental bridge is a common way to improve a smile and help you feel better about your appearance. This procedure can replace missing teeth and close embarrassing gaps in your mouth. If you undergo this process, you can have less anxiety in social situations and want to open your mouth…
For those who have experienced tooth loss or irreparable damage to a tooth, dental bridges can help. This type of treatment replaces missing teeth by anchoring a prosthetic alternative to the two adjacent teeth, bridging the gap between them — hence the name. Bridges can be used to replace up to four adjacent teeth, depending…
Dental veneers are an investment. Getting these restorations is a significant decision. The permanence of…
Dental veneers and dental crowns are restorations that can change the appearance of your teeth.…
Seeing your dentist for dental veneers will start with a consultation. This is the right…
Dental veneers are ideal for patients who want a long-term solution to achieving a brighter…
Sometimes, even the most conscientious patients end up going to an emergency dentist.
Dental veneers are porcelain or composite resin shells that fit over the front of the…
