Types of Dental Bridges

When you have a gap in your teeth, you leave yourself open to a variety of oral health issues. These may include: crowding, infections, damage to the jaw and more. In order to avoid these health issues, you’ll want to make sure that the gap in your teeth is filled. One option for filling the gap is a dental bridge.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a dental appliance that creates a bridge between healthy teeth—filling a gap spanning one or more teeth. This appliance involves at least one crown (abutment) that is attached to a pontic. The pontic is a fake tooth or row of fake teeth that fills the gap where a tooth or teeth are missing.

Why Would I Need a Bridge?

Dental bridges help to fill a gap between healthy teeth. This is important, because without filling the gap, various oral health issues may develop. Another option for tooth or teeth replacement is dental implants, but these are only available if the jawbone has not been compromised. If this is the case, then bridges are likely the best option.

The Types of Bridges

While traditional bridges are the most popular form, there are actually different types of dental bridges that are available. These include:

Traditional Bridges

When people think of dental bridges, they often think of traditional bridges. This is because they are the most common. Traditional bridges are comprised of two abutments that are attached to healthy teeth on either side of a pontic, to hold the pontic in place. The abutments (crowns) are cemented in place on top of the healthy teeth, that are reshaped to fit the abutments.

Maryland Bridges

Named after where they were developed, Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain frame to hold them in place. Instead of being attached to crowns cemented to healthy teeth, Maryland bridges are bonded to healthy teeth that are on either side of the gap. Because of this, teeth do not need to be reshaped for Maryland bridges.

While Maryland bridges allow the patient to keep their teeth intact, they may not be a good choice for areas of the mouth that are subject to more biting force.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges, in that they have an abutment that is attached to a healthy tooth that has been reshaped. The difference is that cantilever bridges are supported by only one abutment, instead of two.

Which Bridge Is Right for Me?

The type of dental bridge that is right for you depends on your individual needs, and what your dentist suggests. The best way to figure out which bridge you should go with is to set an appointment with your dentist, so they can take a look at the gap between your teeth. They will also x-ray the area to see if the jawbone is strong enough to handle an implant. Set an appointment with your dentist today if you have a missing tooth or teeth, so the gap can be filled as soon as possible.

Dental Bridges are an amazing investment if they're right for you. Contact Iowa Dental Group Today to see if we can help bring health an happiness to your smile.