Main Types of Dental Bridges Explained
Tooth loss continues to be a big problem in dentistry globally. Many adults succumb to tooth loss very early in their lives, leaving their oral health compromised. Fortunately, dentistry offers various solutions to restore lost teeth, including dental bridges.
What Are Dental Bridges?
They are oral appliances featuring artificial teeth and dental crowns for replacing lost teeth. In restorative dentistry, our dentist in 77024 uses dental bridges for single-tooth replacement. However, a dental bridge can be tailored to replace up to three missing teeth in a row.
A typical dental bridge comprises an artificial tooth to replace the missing one, usually sandwiched between two dental crowns. The role of the crowns in the bridgework is to support the replacement tooth and aid installation.
The Procedure for Getting Dental Bridges
At Lynn Alan Palmer DDS, the only requirement for you to get dental bridges is to have up to three missing teeth in a row. Ideally, the rest of your natural teeth need to be intact. If not, our general dentist near you will recommend getting dentures, which are more convenient for replacing multiple missing teeth.
The procedure for getting dental bridges involves preparing the adjacent teeth. Even though the goal is to replace the lost tooth, the adjacent teeth play a significant role in the restoration process. Your dentist will prepare the teeth by trimming the enamels to make room for the dental crowns. The crowns will sit over the adjacent teeth, supporting the artificial tooth that rests on the gum at the site of the missing tooth. The process is usually painless, but our dentist in 77024 will numb your mouth to eliminate any discomfort when preparing the adjacent teeth.
The process of attaching the crowns to your natural tooth involves dental bonding using dental cement. Our dentist will then use special UV light to cure the dental cement, hardening it so that the bridgework becomes one with your natural teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are available in different types to ensure they cater to varying oral needs. For instance, a bridgework suitable for replacing the back teeth may be unsuitable for front teeth. The common types of dental bridges are:
1. Traditional Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most common bridges in dentistry. They feature a replacement tooth and two dental crowns. The bridge may be customized to hold more than one artificial tooth. This bridgework works incredibly for back teeth because it is sturdy and can withstand the chewing forces of molars and premolars.
2. Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever dental bridges are similar to traditional bridges, other than featuring one anchor tooth. It means that this bridgework consists of an artificial tooth and one dental crown. Although it makes for a strong dental bridge, it may not be as stable as a traditional dental bridge. Some patients may prefer this bridge because only one tooth needs to be prepared. It means that the cost may be lower compared to traditional bridgework.
3. Maryland Bonded Bridge
It is similar to a traditional dental bridge in that it utilizes two anchors. However, instead of using dental crowns, Maryland bonded bridges use metal or porcelain frameworks that snap on the back of the adjacent teeth. Therefore, our dentist will not have to trim your adjacent enamels to make room for the dental crowns. Maryland bonded bridges make for perfect alternatives to traditional bridges. When it comes to the strength of the bridgework, it depends on the material used to support the artificial tooth. Metal is sturdier than porcelain.
4. Implant-supported Dental Bridges
It is a permanent approach to tooth replacement with dental bridges. The anchor teeth are provided by dental implants. To receive implant-supported dental bridges, you need to undergo surgery to get dental implants. The bridgework involves using two dental crowns as in the case of traditional dental bridges. The only difference is that the crowns will be supported by metal implants instead of natural tooth roots. Implant-supported dental bridges are sturdier than other dental bridges, closely mimicking the strength of traditional dental bridges and natural teeth. The only downside is that this type of bridgework dictates an invasive procedure to install the implants. It also means that you will require more time to heal before the entire restorative procedure is complete.
Are you looking for dental bridges in North Houston, TX? You can call or book an appointment with Lynn Alan Palmer DDS!