Bridging the Gap: An Alternative to Dentures and Implants
To replace missing teeth, a bridge offers an option without dentures or dental implants. It consists of two crowns and replacement teeth. The fabricated tooth or teeth are placed between the crowns, typically on the adjacent teeth.
For multiple missing teeth, an implant can serve as an anchor for the bridge.
Missing one or more teeth?
Addressing Missing Teeth with Dental Bridges
According to the ADA, the average adult may have three missing or decayed teeth. Dental bridges offer a variety of solutions for tooth replacement. They are particularly useful for restoring areas with one or more adjacent missing teeth and consist of two main components.
To support the bridge, abutments are created by placing crowns on natural teeth or dental implants. The fabricated tooth that replaces the missing tooth is known as a pontic. In cases of a single missing tooth, the adjacent teeth will be prepared for crowns, and the fabricated tooth will be connected to these crowns. For several adjacent missing teeth, one or more implants may serve as abutments.
There are four main types of dental bridges:
- Traditional Dental Bridge
The Prevalent Dental Bridge: Traditional and Supportive
Among the most commonly used dental bridges, this type involves crowning the existing teeth with one or more pontics in between, held securely by crowned abutments. Cemented onto adjacent teeth, the crowns form a supportive structure or “bridge” for the missing teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge
Unilateral Support Bridge: A Variant with Caution
Similar to a traditional bridge, this type relies on support from only one side, potentially creating a “lever” effect and placing added stress on the supporting tooth. This can increase the risk of loosening or fracturing the supporting tooth.
- Implant Supported Bridge
Implant-Supported Bridge: A Secure Alternative
Dental implants replace the need for natural teeth to support a bridge, offering stability on one or both sides. A favored choice, this option ensures a highly secure restoration, especially beneficial for multiple adjacent missing teeth.
- Maryland Bridge
Zirconium-Supported Bridge: A Unique Alternative
Rather than relying on natural teeth, a dental implant provides support for this type of bridge. Supported by zirconium wings cemented onto the back of existing teeth, it offers an advantage of preserving adjacent tooth structure by avoiding the need for crowns as abutments.
While not as robust as a ceramic bridge, it distributes pressure on supporting teeth and may not withstand heavy forces during biting and chewing.
Contact our office to learn more about your restorative options and achieve the smile you have always wanted.