If you suffer from a missing tooth or teeth, you are not alone. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian adults have an average of 4.5 missing teeth. Tooth decay, gum disease or injury are often the culprits. For people who want a boost in confidence, the ability to eat food easily and improve their facial structure, a dental bridge may offer an effective solution.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a popular procedure many patients turn to restore their smile and eliminate “empty black holes” inside the mouth. It is a sturdier alternative to partial dentures. The treatment involves connecting a false tooth, or crown, to a patient’s natural teeth to eliminate any unsightly gaps along the gumline. Bridges can be made from various materials, including zirconia, ceramic, and porcelain.
4 Types of Dental Bridges
If you are considering a dental bridge, there are several kinds to choose from. At Dana Street Dental, we are happy to help you decide which option is best for you following a thorough assessment of your oral health. Ultimately, no matter the style, a dental bridge will give you the perfect, healthy smile you desire.
Conventional Bridge
A conventional bridge is the most common bridge performed at most dental clinics throughout Australia. It involves placing dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap and attaching a false tooth between them.
Cantilever Bridge
For patients who do not have two very healthy teeth to support a conventional bridge, a cantilever bridge may be an option. This bridge is connected and secured to only one of your adjacent teeth. It’s best used for patients with only one missing tooth. As this type of bridge attaches to only one tooth, it isn’t as strong as a conventional bridge. It is therefore not an ideal replacement for missing teeth in the back of the mouth due to the increased forces from biting down.
Maryland Bridge
Unlike a conventional bridge, a Maryland dental bridge does not require a dentist to shave down a significant amount of enamel on the adjacent teeth. This type of bridge also has thin metal “wings” that attach to the back of the patient’s teeth. Like the cantilever bridge, it is suited to replacement of missing front teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
With an implant-supported bridge, you don’t have to worry about it ever becoming loose. This secure bridge consists of several false teeth in a single unit. Gaps along a patient’s gumline are filled by one or more implants permanently embedded into the bone. Healing generally takes one to two months so the bone can fuse with the dental implant.
Who needs a Dental Bridge?
If you have one or several missing teeth in your mouth, you may be a strong candidate for a dental bridge. To qualify, you must have healthy teeth on either side of the missing ones. In situations where you are not a candidate for a dental bridge, you still have options, such as dentures or dental implants, to restore your smile. Our dentists at Dana Street Dental are more than happy to explore other methods available to improve your smile.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
For most people who opt to have a dental bridge, the procedure is life-changing because it restores the function of the lost tooth. Other benefits include:
- A boost in self-confidence.
- A beautiful, glowing smile.
- Maintained facial shape.
- Improved chewing and speaking ability.
When Do I Need a Dental Bridge?
The perfect time to consider a dental bridge varies for everyone. Your dentist would be the best person to advise and guide you through this process. To prepare and install the dental bridge, you will typically need two appointments and these could be scheduled at your convenience.
Call the Experts in Dental Bridges
At Dana Street Dental, we pride ourselves on helping our patients maintain the beautiful, healthy smile they deserve. We are fully committed to your oral care and strive to be the best dental clinic you deserve by investing in the latest technology and ongoing education. Specialising in comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry, we are also experts in the various types of dental bridges. Whatever your dental needs are, schedule an appointment to learn how we could be of assistance.
