What Are Dental Bridges?

If you’re missing teeth, you’re missing out on more than a confident smile. Tooth loss can make it difficult to eat, speak clearly, and can even affect your facial appearance. The American Dental Association estimates that on average, adults aged 20 to 64 have up to three significantly decayed or missing teeth. Luckily, dental bridges are an effective way to repair your smile and restore your confidence.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns, or false teeth, that literally “bridge the gap” between sections of missing teeth. The false teeth in a bridge are usually made from porcelain, gold, or metal alloys and are cemented to healthy teeth on each side of the gap.

Why Should I Consider Getting a Dental Bridge?

There are many reasons why someone with missing teeth can benefit from dental bridges. These include:

• Restoring a confident smile
• Enhancing your ability to chew food
• Allowing you to speak properly
• Restoring the shape of your face if missing teeth are causing your cheeks to sink inward
• Giving you a properly aligned bite
• Stopping healthy teeth from shifting out of their correct position

What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

Depending on your unique situation, your dentist will recommend one of the following types of bridges to restore your teeth.

• Traditional Dental Bridges

  • These are the most widely used type of bridges. The bridge contains one or more false teeth that are anchored by crowns, or abutments. The crowns are then attached to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges are popular because they are sturdy enough to replace molars and are a great choice if you have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.

• Cantilever Bridges

  • These bridges are similar to traditional bridges. The main difference is a cantilever bridge is preferred when there’s only one side of healthy teeth to support it.

• Maryland Bridges

  • A Maryland bridge, or resin-bonded bridge, is made of false teeth held in place by metal or porcelain framework. A Maryland bridge is not as strong as a traditional bridge and is not recommended for back molars since the heavy force of chewing can cause the resin attachment to fail.

• Implant-Supported Bridges

  • Rather than being supported by crowns or metal framework, implant-supported bridges actually replace missing teeth with false teeth that look and feel like real teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants require a two-part surgical process to insert the anchors for the implants, followed by placing the bridge months later.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Bridges?

Most patients adjust to their dental bridges easily and enjoy having a permanent restoration rather than a removable device that must be maintained separately. A traditional dental bridge can last 15 years or more if you practice good oral hygiene. Additionally, bridges not only restore teeth, they restore confidence in your smile, your ability to eat the food you want, and your ability to speak clearly.

Where Can I Get a Dental Bridge?

If you’re missing teeth and want to find out if a dental bridge is right for you, contact us for a consultation with Dental365 today. In addition to dental bridges, our team of experienced dentists offers a full range of services from routine exams and cleanings to cosmetic and restorative procedures. Fill out the form on this page to request an appointment or call 844-365-DENTAL to learn more.