Gaps in your teeth can change your smile how you chew, and the health of your mouth. A dental bridge offers a common fix to replace teeth you’ve lost bringing back both use and looks. Learning about the different kinds of dental bridges can guide you to pick the best choice for what you need.
1. Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most popular type and have one or more fake teeth held in place by dental crowns on the teeth next to them.
Pros:
- Tough and long-lasting
- Work well to replace one or more teeth in a line
Cons:
- Need to change healthy teeth nearby
- Not the best if surrounding teeth are weak or hurt
2. Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges come into play when only one tooth sits next to the gap. A crown on this single tooth serves as an anchor for the fake tooth.
Pros:
- Helpful in specific situations with limited support
Cons:
- Not as stable as traditional bridges
- Not ideal for areas that face heavy chewing pressure
3. Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges
Maryland bridges involve a metal or porcelain frame that sticks to the back of nearby teeth to hold the replacement tooth in place. They don’t require as much tooth alteration as traditional bridges.
Pros:
- Requires minimal changes to nearby teeth
- Costs less and takes less time to put in
Cons:
- Not as long-lasting
- Might get loose with time where you bite down hard
4. Bridges Supported by Implants
Bridges supported by implants are fixed to dental implants rather than natural teeth. They work best when you’re missing several teeth, and the teeth around them are healthy.
Pros:
- tough and enduring
- Keeps jawbone intact and stops bone loss
- Doesn’t harm healthy teeth next to it
Cons:
- Costs more
- Needs surgery and takes longer to heal
Picking the Right Dental Bridge
The right dental bridge for you hinges on things like how many teeth you’re missing how healthy your nearby teeth are, what you can afford, and your overall mouth health. A dentist can check out your situation and suggest the best choice for you.
At Northlane Dental, we offer top-notch advice on picking and putting in dental bridges. We make sure they fit well, look natural, and stand the test of time.
