Dental Bridges: Types and Advantages
A lot of your confidence can stem from your outward appearance. So, it makes sense that our self-esteem might dip when our teeth aren’t looking their best. Moreover, having missing teeth can make you feel insecure, but thankfully a dental bridge from our Columbus, OH, dentist can restore your smile in no time!
Here’s what you need to know about and the benefits attached to them.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges literally “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth and consist of two or more crowns with a false tooth in between. The crowns are placed over anchoring teeth on either side of the gap, also known as “abutment teeth”. Bridges can also be supported by dental implants if natural teeth are not present.
After Dr. Gibson makes a mold of your teeth, a permanent bridge will be created for your next visit and a temporary version will be placed in the meantime. The second time you come into our Columbus, OH, dental office, we’ll fit you for your new bridge, check your bite, and make any necessary adjustments before sending you on your way.
Types of Bridges
Because every patient is different, Dr. Gibson will tailor the bridge that is fabricated for you to your individual needs. For example, someone with a front tooth missing won’t necessarily require the same restoration as another patient missing two back teeth.
Close examination and other diagnostic methods, like dental X-rays, will aid in the development of a treatment plan and bridge selection. To help give you an idea of the options available, here are the main :
1. Traditional Bridges: Traditional bridges are the most common form of dental bridges. In this case, crowns are placed on both sides of the missing tooth to hold the replacement tooth in place.
2. Cantilever Bridge: When there are only teeth on one side of the missing tooth, a cantilever bridge is used. The pontics are fused to crowns that connect to the patient’s natural teeth on one side only.
3. Maryland Bridge: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge,the Maryland bridge involves two metal wings instead of dental crowns for support. Ideal for missing front teeth, the wings are bonded to the backs of the natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
4. Implant-Supported Bridge: Think of a regular bridge but with dental implants instead of natural supporting teeth and voila, you’ve got this option. This type of bridge will require your implants be fully fused with your jawbone before they can be attached to the rest of the restoration.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
There are many benefits to having a dental bridge placed. The most obvious one being that they can help improve the appearance of your smile. This alone can provide a noticeable confidence boost and make it all worth the investment.
Dental bridges are also:
- Long-lasting: Dental bridges are permanent structures that are durable and long-lasting. Most patients report their bridges lasting anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime with good care.
- More Affordable: Compared to dental implants, bridges are very affordable, especially when many teeth need to be replaced.
- Quick: Dental bridges are usually finished in 2 visits, whereas dental implants can take up to 6 months to heal and be completed.
- Able to Prevent Further Problems: By having a dental bridge procedure done, you can prevent the possibility of developing TMJ disorder, bone loss, periodontal disease, and unwanted teeth movement.
Let’s Talk Through Your Options
If you’re tired of feeling insecure about your missing teeth, our dentist in Columbus, OH, can go over the details surrounding dental bridges. Call Gibson Dental today at (614) 878-9562 to request an appointment and find out whether a bridge is the right choice for you and your teeth.
This blog post has been updated.