When it comes to restoring your smile, dental bridges are an excellent option. These dental appliances fill the gaps left by missing teeth, enhancing both the function and appearance of your smile. If you’re looking to understand the different types of dental bridges available, this guide will walk you through the options. At East Chestermere Dental, they offer various solutions to meet your needs.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to fill the space where one or more teeth are missing. It typically consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (these anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth) and a false tooth/teeth in between. The false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges can restore your ability to chew and speak properly, maintain the shape of your face, and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
Types of Dental Bridges
1. Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are the most common type. They involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. These bridges are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
Advantages:
- Strong and durable
- Suitable for replacing molars
Disadvantages:
- Requires the removal of enamel from adjacent teeth
2. Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This type of bridge is less common and is not recommended for the back of the mouth where it can place too much force on other teeth and damage them.
Advantages:
- Useful for areas with only one adjacent tooth
Disadvantages:
- May cause damage to surrounding teeth due to leverage
3. Maryland Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges)
Maryland bridges consist of a metal or porcelain framework with wings on either side that are bonded to the back of your existing teeth. These are typically used to replace missing front teeth.
Advantages:
- Minimal alteration of adjacent teeth
- Less invasive than traditional bridges
Disadvantages:
- Less durable than traditional bridges
- Limited to areas with less bite force
4. Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are similar to traditional bridges but use dental implants rather than crowns or frameworks. Typically, one implant is placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position.
Advantages:
- Very stable and secure
- Does not require alteration of adjacent teeth
Disadvantages:
- Requires surgery for implant placement
- Longer treatment time due to healing
Choosing the Right Dental Bridge
When deciding which type of dental bridge is right for you, consider the following factors:
- Location of the missing tooth/teeth
- Condition of adjacent teeth
- Cost considerations
- Your overall oral health
Consulting with a professional dentist in Chestermere, such as those at East Chestermere Dental, can help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous benefits, including:
- Restoring your smile and self-confidence
- Improving your ability to chew and speak properly
- Maintaining the shape of your face
- Preventing remaining teeth from moving out of the correct position
- Distributing the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
Conclusion
Understanding the types of dental bridges available helps you make an informed decision about your oral health. Whether you opt for a traditional bridge, cantilever bridge, Maryland bridge, or implant-supported bridge, each option has its unique advantages and considerations. If you’re looking for dental bridges in Chestermere, East Chestermere Dental is here to provide expert guidance and high-quality care. Schedule a consultation with a Chestermere dentist today to restore your smile and enhance your quality of life.
