TL;DR
-
- A dental bridge helps replace your missing teeth and restore function and appearance.
- There are four main types of bridges: Traditional bridges, Cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and Implant-supported bridges.
- Traditional bridges are the most common type, while implant-supported bridges offer the best stability and are the most long-lasting of them all.
- Choosing the right dental bridges depends on various factors like the location, number of missing teeth, condition of the supporting teeth, aesthetics, and budget.
- The procedure to get a dental bridge involves initial consultation, tooth preparation, impressions, fitting, and post-op follow-up appointments.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are permanent restorations that replace one or more missing teeth. Just like the name suggests, it “bridges the gap” left behind by the missing teeth, restoring your bite, speech, and smile. A bridge is made up of two main parts: the abutments (supporting structures, which may be natural teeth or implants), and the pontics (the artificial teeth that fill the empty space).
There are various types of dental bridges available, each made to address specific dental needs. Therefore, choosing the right type of dental bridge is important not just for aesthetics, but for your oral health and functionality. This article explains the different types of bridges and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Types of Dental Bridges
Every dental bridge is designed to serve a specific purpose depending on the number of missing teeth and their locations. Here are the four main types of dental bridges:
1. Traditional Bridges
Traditional bridges are one of the most common types of dental bridges. They are ideal if you have natural teeth intact on either side of the missing tooth or gap. This type of bridge includes one more pontic tooth (artificial replacement) supported by abutment teeth on either side. The abutment teeth are fitted with crowns that hold the pontics in place.
Traditional bridges are mostly made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal, offering a strong and durable solution that can even replace molars. However, to place the crowns, your dentist will have to reshape and remove a small amount of enamel from the supporting healthy teeth.
According to experts at Hopkins Family Dentistry, this option remains one of the most reliable, easy to replace the missing teeth, offering both strength and a natural look.
2. Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever bridges work like traditional dental bridges, with one key difference, which is that they are supported by one abutment tooth instead of two. In this bridge, the pontic is anchored to just one crowned natural tooth, and is used when you only have one natural tooth on the side of the gap.
Cantilever bridges are often recommended for areas of the mouth that experience less chewing pressure, such as the front teeth, because placing all the stress on a single abutment can increase the risk of tooth damage in high-pressure areas like the molars.
They can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of both, allowing for a balance between strength and aesthetics.
3. Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges
Maryland bridges, also called resin-bonded bridges, are a more conservative option for replacing missing teeth. Instead of crowns, these types of dental bridges use porcelain or metal wings that are bonded to the back of the natural abutment teeth on either side of the gap. The missing tooth or pontic is held securely by these wings.
Since they do not require reshaping or enamel removal, these bridges preserve more of your natural teeth as compared to traditional bridges. While they are gentle on the supporting teeth, they are not as strong as traditional bridges, making them less ideal for molars or areas with heavy biting pressure. Dentists often recommend Maryland bridges for missing front teeth, where the chewing forces are lighter.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are designed for patients who are missing multiple teeth and need a strong, stable, and long-lasting solution. Unlike traditional or Maryland bridges, these are anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth.
Typically, one dental implant is placed for each missing tooth. If placing an implant for every missing tooth is not possible, the bridges may include a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns.
Placing an implant-supported bridge involves two surgeries, and it takes an average of 3-6 months for the entire procedure to be completed:
- Placement of dental implants: Small, threaded posts are placed in the jawbone that act as tooth roots.
- Attachment of the bridge: After the implants fuse with the bone, the bridge is then placed on top of them.
How to Choose the Right Dental Bridge?
Selecting the best type of dental bridge for you depends on several factors, such as:
- Location of the missing tooth: Traditional and implant-supported dental bridges are ideal for molars, whereas Maryland bridges are ideal for front teeth, where aesthetics is a priority.
- Number of missing teeth: Multiple missing teeth might require implant-supported dental bridges, whereas a single missing tooth can be replaced by cantilever bridges or even traditional bridges.
- Condition of adjacent teeth: Bridges that rely on natural teeth, such as traditional or cantilever bridges, require healthy adjacent teeth to act as abutments. Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, do not depend on the condition of neighboring teeth.
- Budget: While traditional bridges may be less costly, implant-supported bridges last longest but come at a higher price.
- Aesthetic preference: Maryland bridges work well for missing front teeth and require little to no alterations. Additionally, porcelain and ceramic traditional bridges can also match the natural shade of your teeth.
Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge
The process of getting a dental bridge involves several carefully planned steps to ensure it fits well, functions properly, and looks natural. These steps typically include:
- First consultation and examination: Your dentist will evaluate your gums and teeth, take X-rays, and help you decide which type of dental bridge suits your needs.
- Tooth preparation: For traditional and cantilever bridges, the teeth that will support the bridge are reshaped to accommodate the crowns. In the case of Maryland bridges, only a small amount of enamel is removed from the back of the adjacent teeth to create a surface for the metal or porcelain wings to bond securely.
- Impression and temporary bridge: Your dentist will take dental impressions with the help of molds and scans, which will be used to create the final bridge. They will also place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth till the final one is ready.
- Fitting the permanent bridge: During this appointment, the bridge is checked for fit and bite alignment to make sure it’s functional and comfortable. Once you are happy with the fit and aesthetic, the permanent bridge is cemented in place.
- Follow-up visits: During this visit, your dentist will check your bite and comfort level, make minor adjustments if needed, and monitor your healing if you have an implant-supported bridge.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge?
Proper oral maintenance can extend the life of your dental bridges and improve your oral health. Here’s what to do:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft brush. Use floss with threaders or interdental brushes around the bridges to keep them clean.
- Avoid chewy, hard, or sticky food that may damage or dislodge the bridge.
- Visit your dentist for an oral examination once every six months. Get professional dental cleanings to keep your bridges and supporting teeth healthy.
- Report any looseness, discomfort, or gum inflammation to your dentist immediately.
Final Thoughts
Dental bridges do more than just fill gaps; they also help restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Choosing the correct type of dental bridge can transform both your appearance and oral functions, and your dentist can help you find one that matches your needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
At Hopkins Family Dentistry, our team values comfort and clarity, making sure every treatment is carefully explained and thoughtfully planned.
If you are considering dental bridges or would like to understand your treatment options, you can schedule an appointment with our dentist in Hopkins, MN, today. You can also call us at (952) 935-2121 or visit the clinic at 1919 Main Street, Hopkins, MN 55343.
FAQs
How long does a dental bridge usually last?
With the right dental care and checkups, dental bridges can last up to 10 to 15 years or sometimes even longer.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, bridges help restore normal chewing function so you can eat most foods comfortably. However, it’s best to avoid chewy, sticky, and hard foods to prevent any damage.
How do I clean a dental bridge?
Brush and floss thoroughly daily. You can use water flossers, interdental brushes, and floss with threaders to clean around and under your bridge.
Are there risks or complications with dental bridges?
Some risks include tooth decay under the teeth, sensitivity, and gum irritation around the bridge.
Which dental bridge is the strongest?
Implant-supported dental bridges are believed to be the strongest and longest-lasting option, offering stability and bone support.
