Bridges
Dental Bridge Bradenton, FL
The purpose of a dental bridge is to replace one or more teeth in a row and to fill the gap left by the missing teeth. Bridges are a great option for many people looking to restore their smile and improve the ability to chew or speak, which are often affected by tooth loss. Also, because natural teeth begin to shift into the open gap left by the missing tooth, getting a dental bridge prevents teeth from moving out of place and affecting the overall structure and shape of your face. A bridge also improves your bite after tooth loss so that other teeth don’t become damaged or worn down due to an uneven bite.
Do you need to replace one or more teeth? Read on to learn more about dental bridges or call Two Rivers Family Dental to schedule an appointment! Our Bradenton, FL dentist, Dr. Andres Alberto DMD, can help you determine if a bridge is the best solution for you and go over available treatment options.
Types of Bridges
There are four common types of dental bridges, and the type of bridge that is best for you will depend on your preferences, your oral health, and the location and number of missing teeth. Because a bridge requires healthy teeth, gums, and bone for a long-lasting and successful restoration, Dr. Alberto will address any existing dental problems beforehand.
Traditional Bridge
Traditional bridges are fixed in place and are anchored by crowns placed on the healthy teeth on each side of the gap. First, the two supporting teeth, known as abutment teeth, are prepared for crowns. This requires removing part of the tooth structure and creating an impression of each tooth. Crowns are created from these impressions and are attached on each side of the artificial tooth, creating the bridge. The crowns are then cemented to the prepared teeth, securing the entire bridge unit in place.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is used when there aren’t teeth available on both sides of the missing tooth to serve as abutment teeth. In this case, a healthy tooth on one side of the gap can be fitted with a crown to hold a single pontic. Because the pontic is only attached on one side, cantilever bridges aren’t recommended for the rear of the jaw, where chewing forces are much more powerful and the extra stress can damage the abutment tooth over time.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge is a less invasive treatment than a traditional bridge because there is no need for crowns to hold the bridge in place. A pontic is created with two wings made of resin, porcelain, or metal attached to its back. These wings are then bonded to the backs of the two abutment teeth. This type of fixed bridge is often used to replace one or two front teeth; it’s not strong enough to replace molars. Because no crowns are necessary, a Maryland bridge is generally more cost effective than other options.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is a bridge attached to dental implants. Implant posts are surgically embedded in the jawbone and then, over a period of months, fuse with the bone. This fusion provides an exceptionally strong foundation for a bridge. It is more beneficial to consider an implant-supported bridge for several missing teeth, or if the teeth adjacent to the area do not need restorations.
Dental Bridge Process At Two Rivers Family Dental
When preparing for a bridge at our Bradenton, FL dental office, Dr. Alberto will take an impression or digital scan to create a model of your mouth. This model is sent to our lab, where a custom bridge is created. While the final bridge is being fabricated, we will place a temporary bridge to protect your abutment teeth and fill the gap for optimal function.