Types of Dental Bridges in Dentistry

Figuring out a dental treatment that best suits your needs and preferences can be overwhelming. For every oral problem, multiple treatment options exist. For example, when it comes to replacing a missing tooth, you can opt for dentures, dental implants or dental bridges. While all of them are great, today we discuss the place of dental bridges in dentistry.

What Are Dental Bridges?

They are replacement options for missing teeth. They feature dental crowns and an artificial tooth. The idea is to create a bridge between the adjacent teeth to close the gap of the missing tooth with an artificial one. Dental bridges are mainly used for restorative dentistry, but can also be useful for cosmetic treatments. Overall, oral bridges are not your go-to solution for permanent tooth restoration. Most dental bridges last between 5-15 years. However, they are worthwhile because they help restore the functionality of your teeth. If you are hesitant about it, talk to your dentist in Spring Creek Forest for more insights on the matter.

When Do You Need Dental Bridges?

Any patient that has lost a tooth or more can benefit from dental bridges. Usually, the treatment is best suited for a few missing teeth. Given that dental bridges require support from other teeth, it helps to have some of your natural teeth in place. Dental bridges are usually relied on as an alternative. In some cases, your dentist may recommend getting dentures. This is more so for patients who have no teeth remaining or very few in that case. Otherwise, you would require dental implants strategically placed in your mouth to support the dental bridges. Since this would prove very exoe9, be sure to talk to your dentist about the best course of action regarding the replacement of your teeth.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

Bridges differ, depending on how they are installed. There are typically 3 common types, which are:

      • Traditional bridges – they are the most common. A dentist spring Creek will tell you that they rarely install any other type of bridge. The traditional bridges feature an artificial tooth sandwiched between two dental crowns. The tooth crowns are for attaching to the adjacent teeth, offering support to the artificial tooth, called a pontic. Technically, this method works where you are missing a tooth between other teeth. In some cases, this type of bridge can still be used with the aid of a dental implant.

      • Cantilever bridges – they are the next most common type of bridge. They are similar to traditional bridges. The only difference is that they are only supported on one side of the adjacent tooth. This means that cantilever bridges feature one dental crown and an artificial tooth. A dentist in spring TX 77379 will use this type of bridge when there are two missing teeth in a row.

      • Maryland bonded bridges – they are commonly known as a resin-bonded bridge. They feature porcelain material that is bonded to metal or a metallic framework. This framework offers support to the dental bridge.

      • Implant-supported bridges – dental implants can be used to offer support to either a traditional bridge or a cantilever bridge.

     

    What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?

    The procedure for getting bridges has different steps. For one, your dentist has to examine your mouth to ascertain which type of dental bridge would best suit you. Some of the things you can expect during your procedure include:

        • Trimming of the enamel – the enamel of the adjacent teeth or tooth has to be trimmed. The purpose of this is to create room for the dental crowns that will be inserted to support the bridge. This usually happens on the first visit.

        • Impressions of your teeth – your dentist will take impressions of your teeth after the recontouring of your teeth is done. The impressions are necessary because they help manufacture dental crowns. The idea is to come up with customized dental crowns that will properly fit in the area. As your crowns and pontic are readied, you may have a temporary bridge in place to protect the site.

        • Dental bonding – on your next visit, your dentist will install the dental bridge. The dental crowns will be secured in the adjacent teeth through the dental bonding process. This process is achieved using special dental cement.