Dental Bridge Types

Dental bridges are safe and effective replacement solution for patients with missing teeth. There are three types of dental bridges that can be used in patients. Talk to your dentist to find out which dental bridge type is right for you.

Traditional Bridge

Two crowns that are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap left by missing teeth support this type of dental bridgework. The false tooth or span of up to three teeth is attached to the crowns to fill in the gap. Traditional bridges are the most common type of dental bridge, and are made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal (PFM). If there are no surrounding teeth to support the crowns, dental implants can be used to fix the bridge in place.

Cantilever Bridge

This type of dental bridge is used when there are teeth on one side of the gap in the mouth. The replacement tooth or teeth are fused to two crowns that are attached to the patient's natural teeth on one side only.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

This type of dental bridge is made up of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal framework. The metal framework, or wings, is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. The bonded dental bridge is generally lower in cost than other types of bridges and is the most simple to apply.

Types of Bridge Materials

The false tooth, or pontic, that is used to replace missing teeth can be made from different materials, including:

• All porcelain: all porcelain bridges look the most natural, but do not provide as much strength as metal bridges; all porcelain bridges are best suited to replace front teeth.
• Porcelain fused to metal: Porcelain fused to metal bridges are tooth colored restorations that provide more strength than all porcelain bridges; porcelain fused to metal bridges are typically used on back teeth when aesthetics are a big concern.
• All gold, silver, and alloys: All metal bridges offer a better fit, and more strength and durability than any other type of dental bridge; however, they do not offer the natural appearance that many dental patients desire.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

Your dentist will begin your dental bridgework by filing down the adjacent teeth to accommodate the crowns. Next, your dentist will take impressions of the teeth. These impressions will be used to create the dental crowns and bridge. Once the crowns and bridge have been fabricated, a return visit to the dentist will be necessary. Your dentist will securely cement the crowns, with the attached bridge, over the surrounding natural teeth to restore your smile.

Dental Bridges Aftercare

While dental bridges can improve the appearance and function of patients' teeth, it is important that patients adopt good oral hygiene habits to ensure that the tooth restorations last as long as possible.

Find a Dentist

The trusted general, cosmetic, and implant dentists listed in our comprehensive directory can provide you with the assistance you need to achieve a stunning smile despite tooth loss. Contact a restorative dentist in your area today.