Dental Bridges: An Inside Look into What They Are and The Types Available

Do you have missing teeth that are tainting your smile? Are you looking for a quick solution? If so, you should consider getting dental bridges in Lexington. Missing teeth is a common issue, and there are millions of Americans seeking various tooth replacement treatments.

Missing teeth can be caused by different issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. However, there is no need for you to continue suffering when there are options such as dental bridges that can restore your smile.

Dental bridges are one of the most sought-after tooth replacement options that our Lexington dentist offers.

Dental Bridges Overview

Dental bridges are dental prosthetics that are made to replace missing teeth—hence the name dental bridges. They “bridge” the gap that the lost tooth occupied. Other than replacing your missing teeth, they can be used to help keep the remaining teeth intact. This is critical since teeth tend to move or shift when there are gaps. If the teeth are not replaced, you will be facing other issues such as a misaligned bite or loose teeth.

A dental bridge has two parts:

• Pontic – Also known as the false or artificial tooth

• Two dental crowns – Attached to the teeth directly next to the missing tooth

The false tooth or pontic is the one that replaces the missing tooth. The purpose of the two crowns is to provide stability or anchorage for the false tooth. Dental bridges rely on the adjacent teeth for anchorage. Therefore, you need to have strong and healthy adjacent teeth as the crowns will be cemented on them.

Your natural teeth that are supporting the bridge are known as abutment teeth. They will be chiseled down to accommodate the crowns.

The false tooth or pontic can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, alloys, and gold.

Why Are Dental Bridges Necessary?

Teeth are designed to work together, which is why you typically need to replace missing teeth. If not, the adjacent teeth become loose and start shifting. This can cause a myriad of problems such as:

• Bite problems
• Chewing difficulties
• Pain from extra stress that is on your teeth and jaw
• Being self-conscious about your smile

A dental bridge can address the above issues and much more. Dental bridges can effectively:

• Restore your pronunciation
• Maintain your facial integrity
• Restore your chewing ability
• Keep the adjacent teeth in their natural position

Types of Bridges

There are four types of bridges that our dentist offers:

• Conventional Fixed Bridge

This is the most widely used dental bridge. It is the ideal option when you have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. These bridges are made of one false tooth and two crowns.

In most cases, traditional bridges are made from ceramic or porcelain fused to metal. They are strong and durable and, therefore, an excellent choice for posterior tooth replacement. However, the two adjacent teeth have to be shaved so that the crowns can fit.

• Cantilever Bridge

The cantilever bridge is similar to the conventional bridge with one major difference. The cantilever bridge only has one crown attached to the false tooth instead of two. This is used when you only have one tooth adjacent to the gap.

• Maryland Dental Bridge

This is an excellent solution for anyone who desires to replace missing front teeth. The false teeth are ceramic, while the framework that supports them is metal.

• Implant-Supported Bridge

These bridges are very similar to conventional bridges. However, the glaring difference is that they don’t rely on natural teeth for anchorage. Instead, implants hold the bridge in place.

How to Care for a Bridge

The success of this treatment is dependent on how you take care of the dental bridges. Therefore, you need to adhere to a good oral care routine—brushing at least two times each day after meals and flossing once. This will keep dental caries and gum disease at bay. You should also keep in mind that proper nutrition is essential for your oral health.

If you’re in need of Lexington dental care, contact the office of Dr. Barry J. Cunha to schedule an appointment.