Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are fixed dental appliances designed to fill the gaps left by missing teeth. They come in various types, each distinguished by their method of attachment.

Traditional dental bridges consist of interconnected crowns. The prosthetic teeth that fill the gap are supported by the adjacent natural teeth, which need to be filed down to properly fit the bridge.

Cantilever bridges, similar to traditional ones, involve crowns that are linked together. However, they are anchored on only one side. These bridges are preferable for front teeth replacements, as applying them to back teeth would exert excessive pressure on the single supporting tooth, potentially causing damage.

Maryland bridges offer a solution similar to traditional bridges but do not require the adjacent teeth to be filed down. Instead, the prosthetic tooth is secured using metal or porcelain supports attached to the neighboring teeth, making it a tooth-preserving option for front teeth replacements.

Implant-supported bridges differ significantly by attaching not to existing teeth, but to implants embedded in the jawbone. These titanium supports act as artificial roots, offering a firm foundation for the bridge, and are considered a stable and durable solution for tooth replacement.

Dental bridges are frequently recommended to address tooth loss, and there are several key reasons for their popularity. Initially, bridges play a crucial role in restoring dental functionality. Losing a tooth can complicate eating and speaking, but bridges effectively bridge this gap, aiding in more efficient biting and chewing.

Moreover, bridges significantly enhance the aesthetics of one’s smile. The absence of teeth can disrupt the harmony of your smile, but bridges offer a solution to fill these gaps, promoting a fuller and more balanced appearance.

Lastly, dental bridges contribute to the stability of the remaining teeth. A vacant space from a missing tooth can lead to the adjacent teeth shifting towards the gap, potentially resulting in bite issues and other dental problems. By filling these spaces, bridges maintain the alignment of your teeth, supporting overall dental health.

Dental bridges are durable and can serve you well for an extended period; however, they are not permanent and will require replacement eventually. On average, a bridge may last around 10 years, but with diligent maintenance, their lifespan can significantly extend, ensuring your smile remains both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional for many years.

The journey to receiving a dental bridge starts with a thorough evaluation. Your dentist will assess the number of teeth requiring replacement and examine the health of the adjacent teeth to ensure they are suitable to support the bridge. If a dental bridge is deemed the appropriate solution and the surrounding teeth are healthy enough to serve as anchors, those teeth will be shaped to prepare for the placement of the bridge.

Following this preparation, an impression of your teeth will be made. This impression is then sent to a dental lab where your custom dental bridge is crafted. During the interim, you’ll be provided with a temporary bridge to wear. Once your personalized dental bridge is complete, you’ll return to the dentist’s office, where the bridge will be precisely fitted and securely cemented onto your anchor teeth. With the right care and maintenance, your new dental bridge can provide functionality and aesthetic appeal for a long time.

In addition to enhancing your smile and aesthetic appeal, dental bridges play a crucial role in maintaining the position and alignment of your existing teeth, preventing them from drifting. They facilitate easier speaking and eating by evenly distributing biting forces across your teeth.

Dental bridges, which are secured in place through crowns or implants, offer a more natural appearance and comfort compared to removable dentures, which may slip and cause discomfort. This level of stability and comfort makes dental bridges a preferred option for many patients over traditional dentures.