When to Consider a Dental Bridge?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental bridges are a popular and reliable option that offers versatility by restoring one to four missing teeth in a row. Along with restoring a smile by replacing missing teeth, a dental bridge offers multiple benefits to one's oral health while addressing several issues simultaneously.

When is a dental bridge recommended?

Tooth loss

Tooth loss can occur for multiple reasons, such as trauma or treatment to prevent infection from spreading to other teeth. A tooth replacement can help address a knocked-out tooth, treat a tooth fracture, or remove a decayed tooth to prevent a disease from spreading to other teeth in the mouth. If the patient does not replace a missing tooth, it can lead to misalignment due to the teeth shifting.

Preventing teeth shifting

If a single tooth is lost, it can cause the shifting of surrounding teeth. If more than one tooth is lost in a row, it can have a domino effect on the other teeth in the same arch. Missing teeth can cause overcrowding in one area and extreme spacing in others. By replacing the missing teeth, patients can prevent this shifting.

Restore biting function

When teeth are missing, no matter the location, it can make breaking down or biting off chunks of food difficult. Patients will likely need to take more time cutting their food to be able to eat safely. Depending on the number of teeth missing, patients may need to cut out their favorite foods altogether.

Alternative to partial dentures

Most patients who are as ideal candidates for partial dentures are also candidates for dental bridges. However, due to their design, some find a dental bridge more comfortable than the alternative. Additionally, a bonded dental bridge may be more cost-effective than a fixed partial denture, though it is still good to check with insurance providers.

Types of dental bridges

Traditional dental bridge

A traditional bridge consists of two crowns and a pontic (false tooth) that is fitted between the two. The crowns will bond to the teeth adjacent to the gap while the pontic spans it. If the patient is missing more than one tooth, the dentist will add more pontics in the middle of the crowns.

Cantilever dental bridge

Similar to a traditional bridge, a cantilever involves using a crown, but only one. Therefore, the dentist only needs to bond the crown to one natural tooth while the pontic fills the gap.

Maryland dental bridge

A Maryland dental bridge includes metal wings on the back of a pontic. These metal wings will bond to the adjacent natural teeth of the gap.

Implant-supported dental bridge

A dental implant, which looks like a small titanium post, will be inserted into the jawbone. On top of it will sit an abutment, which sticks out from the gum line. The dentist will then attach a traditional bridge, which can last up to 15 years with proper care. The dental implant, however, can last a lifetime.