Types of Dental Bridges

4 Types of Dental Bridges

1.Traditional Bridges:

Traditional fixed bridges create a filler tooth that is supported by crowns placed over healthy teeth on either side of the gap in the mouth to keep the bridge in place. This is the most common type of bridge, and it is typically made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.

This type of bridge is used to replace missing teeth where there are healthy teeth on either side of the gap that are able to support a bridge between them. Both of these teeth will need to be reshaped and fitted with crowns before the bridge can be placed, to ensure they are strong enough to support the bridge.

2.Cantilever Bridges:

This cantilever bridge is used when there is only one anchor tooth available to support the missing tooth or teeth. This bridge design is not recommended for use in the back of the mouth where too much bite force can be put on the abutment tooth. But it can work if it’s designed well and if the cantilevered tooth is the front tooth. The biting forces must be considered in the design which can be done by a good lab, making these types of dental bridges a valuable option when trying to save time and money.

3.Maryland Bridges:

Maryland bridges are considered a conservative alternative to traditional bridges. These bridges consist of a pontic that is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework. This framework is bonded onto the backs of the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Since this type of bridge isn't held in place by crowns, the adjacent teeth don't need to be filed.

While Maryland bridges are more conservative than traditional bridges, they do have their downsides. The strength of the bridge is limited by the strength of the resin that holds it in place, so it may not stay in place in areas of the mouth where the teeth are subjected to a lot of biting force, like the molars. The framework may also get in the way of your gums or your bite.

4.Composite Bridge (Ribbond or just bonded composite):

For people with one or two missing teeth who are looking for an easy and affordable solution to their replacement issue, a composite bridge often fills the bill. There usually made and installed in one dental visit, in which a composite bonding material (which is the plastic tooth filling material) is placed directly into the missing space.

Patience is a virtue and a work of art when recreating a missing tooth with a composite material. Furthermore, you must be very careful with this bridge because of the de-bonding and chipping qualities of the materials used in the design. A reinforced wire or ribbon known as Ribbond can be used to provide more strength to a composite bridge. Similar to Maryland bridges, composites are considered temporary and can be used by people with periodontal disease who put off removing their compromised teeth until the very end.

Implant-Supported Bridges

The most secure option for replacing missing teeth is an implant-supported bridge. In this option, a false tooth is held in place by dental implants bonded to the jawbone. These implants closely mimic the function of natural roots and are extremely secure. This method is generally used when you have more than one missing tooth.

In most cases, your dentist will place one dental implant for each missing tooth. However, occasionally this is not possible. In these cases, a bridge will consist of a false tooth supported by two implant-supported crowns.

Because they are supported by dental implants, which are bonded to the jawbone, these bridges are very secure and strong. In addition to their strength and security, they also feel very natural and comfortable, just like the natural teeth they replace.

The downside to implant-supported bridges is that they require two surgeries. In your first visit, your dentist will install the implants. Then, a few months later, you will return to receive your finished bridge.

10 common question about types of dental implant

1How many teeth can be replaced with a bridge?

“How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?” More often than not, dental bridges are generally used to replace no more than 2 teeth. This is because your dental bridge relies on healthy adjacent teeth for support.

2What is the best type of dental bridge?

5 Types of Dental Bridges: What Type is Best for Me? Traditional Bridges: Traditional bridges are the most popular types of dental bridges for restoring lost teeth. ... Cantilever Bridges: ... Maryland Bridges: ... Composite Bridge (Ribbond or just bonded composite): ... Implant Supported Bridges:

3How do you clean under a dental bridge?

Cleaning a fixed bridge Gently move the spongy floss between the gum and the base of the bridge, use a soft back-and-forth motion to remove plaque under the false tooth. Then wrap the spongy floss around the real tooth at the other side of the bridge, slide up and down to clean the adjacent tooth surface.

4What is better a bridge or an implant?

The implant is not putting any strain on other teeth. Another great advantage of implants is that they can be used to replace more than one missing natural tooth. In the case of a bridge, a dentist will need healthy adjacent teeth for support. ... Dental crowns and bridges will have to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

5What is the strongest dental bridge material?

These crowns are greatly esthetic and bond to tooth structure when cemented. Zirconia is currently the strongest porcelain used in dentistry and has been made to look more esthetic than before.

6Is getting a bridge painful?

If you are sufficiently numb, the process is not painful. Getting a traditional dental bridge is usually fairly painless. The work to prepare the teeth that will anchor the bridge is done using local anesthesia. A temporary bridge is then put in and there is usually little pain afterward.

7Can a dental bridge be attached to only one tooth?

Although similar to a traditional bridge, the pontic in a cantilever dental bridge is held in place by a dental crown that is cemented to only one abutment tooth. For a cantilever bridge, you only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap.

8Can food get under a dental bridge?

Unfortunately, with bridges — depending on how much space is available and the type of foods you eat — you'll end up getting food lodged underneath and between the fake teeth.

9What can you not eat with a dental bridge?

It is never a good idea to consume sticky foods, but it is an even worse idea when you have dental bridges or crowns. Sticky foods can get stuck in the dental restoration and pull it right out. Foods like caramel, fruit snacks, gum, and sticky candies should not be consumed when you have dental restorations.

10Can tooth decay under a bridge?

It is possible for food to lodge beneath or beside the bridge, which can lead to the build up of plaque and tooth decay. In severe cases, this weakens the abutment teeth and may cause the bridge to fail.

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