Missing teeth can hurt your smile, oral health, and confidence. Dental bridges can replace these teeth, helping you chew and speak better while keeping your face’s natural shape. There are different types of dental bridges, so it’s important to find the right one for your needs.
In this blog, we will look at the various types of dental bridges, their benefits, and which one might be best for you. If you want a long-lasting solution or a more budget-friendly option, Enhance Dental Centre is here to help you restore your smile with personalized care.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth. They fill the gap in your smile. Dentists can create custom bridges which would exactly match the color of your natural teeth.
A dental bridge consists of two main components: abutments (supports) and pontics (artificial teeth). Depending on the type of bridge, additional elements such as frameworks or connectors may also be included.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are various types of dental bridges available to address different dental conditions. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most suitable option to ensure the best outcome.
Traditional Dental Bridge
Traditional bridges are the most common option for replacing lost teeth. They work well when you have natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. These bridges are small, lightweight, and comfortable for chewing, helping to balance your bite. If you maintain good oral hygiene, a traditional bridge can last a long time.
However, a downside is that some enamel must be removed from the supporting teeth to fit the crowns. Since enamel does not grow back, these supporting teeth will always need to be protected by well-fitted crowns. Taking care of these crowns is essential for the long-term success of your bridge.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are used when there is a missing tooth and support is available from only one adjacent tooth. In this design, the bridge is held in place by one healthy tooth and crown on the side of the gap, as there is no need for support from both sides. However, cantilever bridges are not suitable when there are no teeth on either side of the gap; in such cases, alternatives like implant-supported bridges or partial dentures are needed.
Cantilever bridges are often used when it is not ideal to prepare teeth on both sides of the gap for aesthetic reasons, such as when a front tooth is missing. While they may also be used when a back tooth is missing, they are generally not recommended in high-chewing-force areas (like the molars) due to the additional stress placed on the supporting tooth. If the supporting tooth already has another restoration, it may not be able to support a traditional bridge.
In a cantilever bridge, the artificial tooth (pontic) is positioned outside the supporting tooth, which increases the forces acting on the supporting tooth. Due to this, careful planning is required to prevent destabilization of the abutment tooth, especially in areas where chewing forces are high.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
A Maryland bonded bridge, also known as a resin-bonded or winged bridge, is primarily used to replace missing front teeth. It consists of a plastic tooth (pontic) supported by a metal framework with metal wings that bond to the back of adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is ideal for front teeth where the neighboring teeth are healthy and stable.
One key advantage is that the dentist only needs to make minimal modifications to the anchor teeth, preserving more of their natural structure. It is a cost-effective and quicker option compared to traditional fixed bridges. However, it is not suitable for patients with deep bites or crossbites, as these conditions can put excessive stress on the bridge.
Over time, the metal wings may discolor the adjacent teeth, and the bonding can loosen, leading to the bridge becoming less secure. Due to this, Maryland bridges are often considered a temporary solution, commonly used while waiting for a dental implant to heal or for younger patients who need to wait until their jaw growth is complete before receiving an implant.
Composite Bridge (Ribbond or just bonded composite)
A composite bridge, also known as a bonded composite or Ribbond bridge, is a simple and affordable solution for people missing one or two teeth. It can usually be created and placed in a single dental visit, as the dentist uses composite resin, a tooth-colored filling material, to fill the gap. Crafting a replacement tooth from this material requires patience and skill.
However, composite bridges are less durable than other types of bridges, as the material can chip or come loose over time. To reinforce the bridge and improve its strength, a special ribbon-like material called Ribbond may be added. Like Maryland bridges, composite bridges are generally considered temporary solutions. They can be useful for people with gum disease who need to delay tooth extraction or those who need a quick, cost-effective temporary fix while awaiting more permanent treatment options, such as dental implants.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are increasingly popular because they do not require altering nearby natural teeth. Avoiding restorations on teeth that don’t need it, such as adjacent teeth on a bridge, is a top priority to keeping your teeth healthy. These bridges rely entirely on dental implants for support, eliminating the need to trim down adjacent teeth or use bulky structures. This design allows for better oral hygiene, as cleaning between implants is easier compared to traditional bridges. When properly placed, implant-supported bridges are highly stable and durable.
Proper implant placement is designed to facilitate easy cleaning and maintenance. Typically, using two implants to support a bridge is more effective and stable than trying to use three or more in a row, reducing the risk of complications.
Choosing the Right Dental Bridge for You
Choosing the right dental bridge depends on several factors. First, your gum health and bone structure are crucial, as some bridges, like implant-supported ones, require a strong foundation for stability. The location of the missing teeth also matters. For front teeth, traditional or Maryland bridges are often preferred because they don’t support as much force as molar teeth. In contrast, implant-supported bridges are ideal for all teeth including molars due to their durability in handling chewing forces.
Longevity and durability are important considerations. While implant-supported bridges last much longer, they also come with a higher upfront cost. Budget and insurance coverage can influence your choice, with options like cantilever or Maryland bridges being more affordable at first but less durable and potentially more costly over time compared to implants.
Aesthetic preferences also play a role. Porcelain and ceramic bridges look more natural and are often used for visible teeth, while metal or porcelain-fused options are stronger and better suited for less visible areas. At Enhance Dental Centre, all of these factors are considered to help you choose the best solution for your dental needs.
Conclusion
A dental bridge is essential for restoring both the function and aesthetics of your smile. With options ranging from traditional bridges to implant-supported ones, each type offers unique benefits suited to different dental needs. Factors like the location of the missing tooth, your oral health, and your budget can all influence which bridge is the best fit for you.
At Enhance Dental Centre, we provide personalized dental solutions to help you regain your confidence and improve your oral health. Our team will expertly guide you through the process and ensure you find the perfect bridge for your teeth. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a complete, healthy smile!
FAQs
1. What is the most common type of dental bridge?
Traditional bridges are the most common type of dental bridge. They are used when natural teeth are next to a missing tooth on both sides. These bridges have one or more false teeth, called pontics, that are supported by two neighboring teeth, known as abutments.
2. How long do dental bridges last?
The lifespan of a dental bridge depends on the type, oral hygiene, and overall dental health. Traditional bridges last 5-10 years and implant-supported bridges typically last longer (up to 10-15 years or more) with proper overall dental care and hygiene, while temporary options like composite bridges may not last as long.
3. Can I get a dental bridge if I have gum disease?
Temporary solutions like composite bridges may be used while treating gum disease. However, your gum health needs to be addressed first and be stable before getting more permanent solutions like a traditional or implant-supported bridge.
