Curious about dental bridges? Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. The aftermath of tooth loss can be a struggle. The loss puts extra pressure on the rest of the teeth and chewing becomes less effective. Your speech gets affected too. Fortunately, dental bridges lay out a path to restoring the look and function of your smile. Each type of dental bridge has its advantages in dental restoration work.
Dental bridges come in various forms and are intended for specific dental situations. The type of tooth bridge selected depends upon the location of the missing tooth, the health of adjacent teeth, as well as individual preference. A dental professional will assess the patient’s needs and recommend the best option.
The traditional fixed bridges involve placing crowns (called abutments) on adjacent teeth to hold the false tooth (pontic) in place. This type of bridge is used to fill gaps left by one or more missing teeth when adjacent teeth are healthy and strong. They restore the ability to chew and speak comfortably, keep remaining teeth from drifting out of place, and give the smile a natural look and feel.
Cantilever bridges are a great solution when adjacent teeth are on only one side of the missing tooth. This hinges on a single crown that supports the pontic and is thus preferred for less stressed areas such as the front of the mouth. The advantage of cantilever bridges is their conservative approach. The dentist will only alter one adjacent tooth, preserving other natural teeth but still getting an aesthetically pleasing result.
Maryland bonded bridges, which require little tooth preparation, involve attaching a metal or porcelain framework to the back of adjacent teeth. This bridge type is most useful for replacing front teeth because it provides a quick and cosmetically appealing solution that preserves the supporting teeth' structure. The major benefits are the preservation of tooth enamel and the non-intrusive placement process. Maryland bridges are a preferred choice for patients looking for a compromise between function and tooth conservation.
Implant-supported bridges are the most advanced dental bridge option. They offer an alternative to traditional crown support by using dental implants as direct anchors in the jawbone. This bridge is suitable for replacing several missing teeth in succession, providing great stability and avoiding jawbone atrophy associated with tooth loss. The benefits extend beyond mere aesthetics. Implant-supported bridges mimic the natural teeth root system and provide a long-term solution for healthy oral and facial structure.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridge in Allendale Charter Twp, MI
The process of selecting the best dental bridge is personal, driven by your dental needs, aesthetic, and lifestyle goals. When you visit the dental office, the general dentist will present the available options, from traditional fixed bridges to the more advanced implant-supported ones. Each bridge type addresses a distinct problem — tooth loss. Knowing the benefits of each design helps you make the right decision. You can learn more by contacting our dental office to set up a consultation appointment.
Request an appointment or call Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.
Dental bridge placement will need two visits. The patient will go through a short process that will not be invasive at all. The result will improve the patient’s dental and general health. Knowing the placement process for this restoration can help prepare you for your next visit. Here is the placement process for a dental…
Dental bridges and dental crowns are wonderful, durable options to restore a smile. However, they are both employed for different reasons. By understanding the specifics of both, patients can learn which option is best for their needs when consulting with a dentist.Dental bridges are recommended after a tooth extraction, whether by trauma or professional intervention.…
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement option designed to fill in the gaps in your smile caused by missing teeth. Dental bridges restore the basic functions of biting and speech as well as the visual appeal of your smile. This guide explains the dental bridge procedure and how it works to replace lost teeth.Dental…
Most people want a great smile, but many of them have one or more dental imperfections that decrease their confidence. A cosmetic dentist offers a variety of procedures that help improve one's appearance. After going over a patient's goals and budget, a dentist can help determine what a teeth makeover might consist of. A teeth makeover…
Deep teeth cleaning is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Not only does it help to remove built-up plaque and tartar, but it can also help to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues. But how often should you get a deep cleaning? This blog post will discuss the recommended frequency of…