Dental Bridge Options
According to the American Dental Association, the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 have three decayed or missing teeth. There are multiple options for replacing missing teeth, dental bridges being one. If you are wondering what a dental bridge is, there are actually four different types. Your dentist will help you decide which treatment option is best for you.
Types of Bridges
The Traditional Bridge: Traditional bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth when they are in a row and you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap. They consist of one or more replacement teeth, called pontics, which are attached to dental crowns. The dental crowns are attached on each end and are bonded to the healthy adjacent teeth. In order to accommodate the crowns, the healthy teeth must be prepared by decreasing their size.
The Maryland Bridge: Maryland bridges are a more conservative alternative to traditional bridges because the adjacent teeth do not need to be prepared to accommodate a crown. The pontics instead are held in place by a metal or porcelain framework attached to the adjacent healthy teeth.
The Cantilever Bridge: Cantilever bridges are not commonly used, but they can be used if there is only one natural, healthy tooth adjacent to the missing teeth because the pontic is supported by a single crown. Again, the adjacent healthy tooth will need to be prepared to accommodate the crown.
The Implant-Supported Bridge: Rather than being supported by metal frameworks or crowns, these bridges are supported by dental implants. The implants, tiny titanium posts, are placed via a surgical procedure and the bridge is bonded to the implants.