Advanced Health Dental Bridges
When a patient has lost one or more teeth, they have likely noticed a negative effect on the function, appearance, and health of their smile. It may be more difficult to speak, chew, and eat as normal, and they may feel embarrassed about their smile because of the gaps left by missing teeth. To replace missing teeth, and restore their smile and self-confidence, the dentist may recommend a dental bridge. A bridge is used to replace one missing tooth or a couple of missing teeth in a row. When in place, a bridge can improve your smile by:
- Restoring the natural shape and volume of the patient’s face
- Improving patient’s ability to properly chew, speak, and eat
- Enhancing the beauty of their smile
- Preventing the remaining teeth from moving into the space left by the missing teeth
- Relieving uneven stress on the bite
- Replacing an unwanted removable partial denture (removable dental bridge)
Traditional fixed bridge
A traditional fixed bridge, often simply referred to as a dental bridge, is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. The bridge is cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space, effectively “bridging” the gap. This type of bridge is permanent and cannot be taken out of the mouth like removable partial dentures.
Cantilever bridge
A cantilever dental bridge is a type of dental prosthesis used to replace a missing tooth. Unlike traditional bridges that anchor to teeth on both sides of the gap, a cantilever bridge is supported on only one side. It consists of a pontic (or false tooth) that extends outwards with one or more anchor crowns cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth. Due to its design, cantilever bridges exert more pressure on the supporting tooth, so careful case selection is essential. They are typically used in areas of the mouth that are under less stress, such as the front teeth.
Maryland dental bridge
A Maryland dental bridge is a type of dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on crowns on adjacent teeth to support the false tooth or teeth, the Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. This design minimizes the need for tooth reduction, making it a more conservative option in certain cases. The replacement tooth in a Maryland bridge is made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramic, matching the natural color of the surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance.
Implant supported bridge
An implant-supported bridge is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by utilizing dental implants as the primary support, rather than relying on adjacent natural teeth as with traditional bridges. The dental implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone, act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for the bridge. Once integrated into the bone, a custom-made bridge is then attached to these implants. This type of bridge is especially beneficial when the patient has several missing teeth in a row, offering a durable and natural-looking solution that prevents potential bone loss and preserves the integrity of the surrounding natural teeth.