Dental Bridges
There are alternatives to replacing missing teeth besides dental implants. Come see us and learn how we can complete your smile with a dental bridge.
What are Dental Bridges?
When natural teeth fall out, there are options to replace them, including dental implants or a partial denture. There is a third option to replace missing teeth, and that’s with a fixed dental bridge.
Typically, we use a dental bridge when patients have fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. A bridge is also called a pontic, and it’s held in place by the abutment teeth. These abutment teeth are natural teeth or implants that help support or anchor the bridge on either side of the gap.
Bridges materials can vary depending on the location and structural needs of the tooth to be replaced. This can involve conservatively preparing one or both adjacent teeth similar to that of crowning teeth. For the false tooth pontic of the bridge, we typically use porcelain that’s colour-matched to blend in with your natural teeth.
Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth with a Dental Bridge
Types of Dental Bridges
1. Traditional Dental Bridge
2. Cantilever Dental Bridge
3. Maryland Dental Bridge
4. Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
Another popular option for bridgework, implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks. In situations where there are several missing teeth in a row, we place an implant on each end of the bridge without requiring natural teeth. The implants hold the bridge securely in position.
As this option deals with an implant surgery as well as bridge treatment, this type of bridge can take several months to be completely finished.