Dental Bridges

There are four primary types of dental bridges depending on how they’re supported and whether they’re supported by dental crowns or dental implants. The following is a brief overview of the various types of dental bridges. 

Traditional dental bridges, also known as conventional bridges, are made of pontics supported on both sides by dental crowns. To get a traditional dental bridge, the dentist will have to shave off some of the structure from the surrounding teeth so they can attach dental crowns and support the dental bridge. This is a permanent or fixed dental bridge because the surrounding teeth are filed down to a small stub, making the process irreversible.

Cantilever dental bridges also use dental crowns to support the bridge. However, in this case, the dentist only attaches a dental crown to one side of the missing teeth. This procedure is also fixed and permanent because one of your teeth is still shaved down to a small stub, making it an irreversible process.

Maryland dental bridges are the types of dental bridges in which the dentist doesn’t alter the structure of your original teeth, making it a reversible process. The pontics, in this case, will be anchored by metallic or porcelain abutments on both sides. However, since these abutments aren’t as durable as dental crowns or implants, a maryland dental bridge isn’t as structurally sound as other types of dental bridges. These dental bridges are often used as trials before the permanent dental bridge and they’re never used to replace the molars.

Dental implant bridges are the strongest replacements for missing teeth because the dentist doesn’t have to alter the structure of any of your healthy teeth but it’s still strong and durable. During this procedure, the dentist screws a metallic or titanium post into the jawbone of the missing teeth on the outer edges. For example, if you have three missing teeth, then the dentist will plant implants on the first and third missing teeth. Over time, your jawbone naturally grows around the implant, making it a part of your dental framework. Once your jawbone has healed completely, the pontics are placed with the implants for support. However, you can only get a dental implant bridge if you have sufficient bone structure under your missing teeth. If not, you may need to get a bone graft first.

The following are the steps involved in the dental bridge procedure:

• The dentist will inspect your teeth and identify which treatments are most suitable for you. They’ll also discuss your goals and your treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
• The dentist will ask you to bite down on a dental mold and they’ll take exact impressions of your teeth so they can prepare a set of dental bridges that accurately resemble your teeth.
• If you choose a traditional or cantilever dental bridge, the dentist will have to prepare your teeth by shaving off the surrounding teeth so they can receive the dental crowns.
• If you choose a dental implant bridge, the dentist will examine if you have enough bone structure for implants. If so, they’ll screw titanium implants into the jawbone of the missing teeth.
• The dentist will send a mold of your teeth to the laboratory so they can prepare a set of dental bridges for you.
• For traditional or cantilever dental bridges, the dentist will place the bridge in place, anchored by the crowns on either side.
• For dental implant bridges, you’ll have to wait for several months so your jawbone can heal before you get the dental bridge.
• The dentist will make final adjustments to the dental bridge.
• You may have to return in a few weeks so they can inspect the dental bridge once again.