Dental bridges are teeth replacements that restore missing teeth. They are available in various types. The most suitable dental bridge' type for an individual depends on multiple factors, such as the location of missing teeth's location and jawbone health. It also depends on the condition of adjacent teeth and individual preferences. The following are different types of dental bridges:
Traditional Bridge
This bridge is the most popular and commonly utilized type. It is comprised of a fabricated tooth or multiple teeth that are secured in position through dental crowns attached to the surrounding teeth. The dental crowns serve as anchor points, while the artificial tooth "bridges" the gap. Traditional bridges are popularly known for their durability.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
The Maryland bonded bridge follows a similar structure to the traditional dental bridge but with a notable difference. It utilizes a framework made of metal or porcelain as anchors rather than relying on crowns. The framework is bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, eliminating the need for significant modification. Maryland bonded bridges offer a conservative and cost-effective alternative to traditional bridges.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
Cantilever dental bridges differ in structure from traditional bridges as they rely on a single anchor tooth for support. They are less commonly employed and typically limited to placement in the mouth's front. These bridges are not ideal for the mouth's back due to the potential excessive tension on a single tooth. If the placement of a cantilever bridge is safe, it can save both time and cost.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported dental bridges share a structure similar to traditional bridges but differ in their anchorage method. Instead of relying on adjacent teeth, they are secured in place using dental implants. This eliminates the need for healthy neighboring teeth and enables bridging larger gaps with multiple missing teeth. Dental implants are durable, strong, and function like natural teeth.
San Francisco Dental Arts, 220 Montgomery St Ste. 825, San Francisco, CA 94104 \ 415-854-9396 \ thesfdentist.com \ 12/17/2024 \ Associated Words: dentist San Francisco CA \