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 function. This treatment largely depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of existing teeth, and the patient’s oral health.
As its name implies, this restoration "bridges" the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Made of one or more prosthetic teeth (pontics), bridges are attached to adjacent teeth or implants (called abutments). This restores the full smile look and distributes bite forces evenly, preventing the remaining tooth from wandering out of place, which is common with lost teeth.
Various kinds of dental bridges exist, and each is suited to a particular situation or need:
Traditional bridges are the most common bridges used to fill in a gap left by missing teeth. This type of bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontic) attached to tooth crowns on either side. As support pillars, the crowns are cemented on the natural teeth next to the space. This technique is a strong and stable option that restores the function of the missing teeth and improves the look of the smile. For a conventional bridge, the process begins with the preparation of the adjacent tooth by reshaping them to match the crowns, which form the base of the pontic.
If there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing teeth or tooth, cantilever bridges are a great solution. Like traditional bridges, the cantilever bridge is held up by one natural tooth near the gap. A crown is placed on this tooth, to hold the pontic in place. Cantilever bridges are particularly helpful in areas of the lower palate where bite pressure is not as significant, like the front teeth. They require a tooth strong and healthy enough to support the bridge to ensure the stability of the dental cavity.
Maryland bridges are a conservative alternative to conventional bridges, especially for front teeth where aesthetics are important. This bridge has a pontic attached to the metal or porcelain frame at the rear of adjacent teeth. Maryland bridges require less tooth preparation compared to conventional bridges and therefore, retain more of the natural tooth structure. Maryland bridges are less intrusive and provide an aesthetic remedy. However, they are less strong than conventional bridges and their dependence on the bonding power to the adjacent teeth may cause them to lose stability under strong biting forces.
Implant-supported bridges can be used to replace missing teeth without having to alter adjacent natural teeth. These bridges are anchored against implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone, instead of being supported by the adjacent tooth. Each implant provides the bridge with its stability and distributes forces uniformly across the jaw to mimic the natural roots of the tooth. Implant-supported bridges can replace several missing teeth and preserve the facial structure and function of the smile. This bridge is comparable to natural teeth in appearance and function and may last many years if properly maintained.
There are several steps involved in getting a dental bridge:
More than a cosmetic improvement, dental bridges can also help in other ways. They can help keep the mouth healthy and functional. Bridges prevent the remaining teeth from shifting, maintain the bite position, and prevent jaw bone loss by filling in the gaps. They also support clearer speech, efficient chewing, and less stress on the dental arch.
A dental bridge provides a stable, aesthetic, and functional replacement for missing teeth. They improve the look of your smile, as well as the condition of your general oral health preventing future dental problems. If you have missing teeth, contact our dental office today to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.simplysmilesdentist.com or call Simply Smiles Dentistry at (520) 368-3351 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Tucson, AZ.
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…
Getting dental bridges is one of the popular ways to replace missing teeth. They are typically recommended when a person is missing about three teeth in a row. Dental bridges have two main components: abutments (crowns) that are placed on the two teeth closest to the gap and artificial teeth that replace the missing teeth…
Getting a dental crown is a seamless procedure that is done in dental offices every day. There are various reasons to get a dental crown, which will play a role in how the process goes. For example, for those getting a crown to finish the tooth replacement process after an implant has been inserted, the…
While the cost of dental crowns is usually covered by insurance, getting a crown can still be an expensive and time-consuming process. Once the crown is in place, it can be tempting to forget about it and continue your normal habits, but not being mindful of your tooth restoration could lead to you having to…
The following is information that can help explain the advantages of implant supported dentures.
Thinking about improving the alignment of your teeth? Here are answers to some of the…
Millions of Americans avoid appointments with the dentist due to dental anxiety.
Whitening patients' teeth involves a simple procedure that a dentist can perform in one visit…
Dental implants are an investment that require regular care and monitoring.
Curious about what happens when you undergo a consultation for braces with your general dentist?
