Types of Dental Bridges: How to Select the Right One

What Are Dental Bridges?

They are dental restorations that replace missing teeth. Dental bridges in Terre Haute, Indiana, feature an artificial replacement tooth called a pontic. The pontic is created to fit perfectly in the space of the missing natural tooth. Since the pontic needs support to remain in place, the bridgework is incomplete without other oral appliances. Typically, dental bridges rely on dental crowns. The crowns support the pontic by covering the adjacent teeth. Therefore, you must have adjacent teeth to qualify for dental bridges. If not, the dentist near you would need to install a dental implant before placing the bridgework.

Different Types of Dental Bridges

At Staley Family Dentistry, we ensure that our patients are aware that they have options to choose from when restoring their teeth with oral appliances. In many cases, oral appliances in restorative dentistry differ based on the materials. Some feature composite, while others are porcelain or acrylic. However, the differences in types of bridges are not necessarily in the materials but rather the components of the bridgework. They are:

1. Traditional dental bridges – are the most common oral bridges in dentistry. They feature two dental crowns and an artificial replacement tooth. The crowns sandwich the artificial tooth, providing necessary support to replace missing teeth. Usually, traditional dental bridges can replace more than one missing tooth without compromising too much on sturdiness.
2. Cantilever dental bridges – are a little different from traditional bridges as they feature one dental crown. Ideally, one dental crown supports one replacement tooth. Cantilever bridges are ideal for patients who want minimal invasion in their restorative treatments.
3. Maryland-bonded dental bridges – are a lot like traditional bridges since they get support from two adjacent teeth. However, instead of dental crowns, Maryland-bonded bridges feature a porcelain or metal framework that supports the artificial tooth. The porcelain wraps around the adjacent teeth to the left and right, holding the artificial tooth in place.

How Do You Choose the Best One for Your Treatment?

Having the best dentist in Terre Haute, Indiana, to perform your tooth replacement procedure is only the first step to achieving the smile of your dreams. Deliberate on the best type of bridgework to restore your smile. Since all the dental bridges offer various benefits, consider the following factors when choosing the most suitable one:

1. The number of teeth you want to replace – traditional dental bridges are generally better for replacing multiple teeth because they are sturdier than the rest.
2. Location of the missing teeth – replacing molars is not the same as replacing the front teeth. Dentists will recommend Maryland-bonded bridges for front teeth and traditional bridges for back teeth.
3. Sturdiness – while all dental bridges are effective for replacing teeth, some are sturdier than others.
4. Invasiveness of the procedure – some dental bridges require more tooth preparation than others. For instance, the dentist must trim two adjacent teeth before fitting in dental crowns to receive traditional dental bridges. If that is a stretch for you, opt for a different type of dental bridge, like a cantilever or Maryland-bonded bridgework.
5. Preferences – ultimately, the best dental bridge near you is the one that befits your preferences.

Why Are Dental Bridges Ideal for Tooth Replacement?

Replacing multiple missing teeth in a row is not a tall order. Dentures have existed for many years, suitable for replacing even all your teeth. However, dentures are not ideal when missing one or two natural teeth. The dentist would have to extract a few more teeth, qualifying you for partial dentures. Instead, you can opt for dental bridges. They are a great alternative for single-tooth replacement. Further, they can also replace up to three missing teeth in a row. Some other reasons why dental bridges are great for replacing teeth are:

1. No surgery is necessary as is the case with dental implants.
2. Dental bridges also strengthen adjacent teeth if they are worn down or weak.
3. They look like natural teeth
4. They last long – with proper oral care, your bridgework can last between 10 and 20 years.
5. They restore proper oral functionality – you can eat, speak and chew as well with dental bridges as with natural teeth.