Categories: Dental Bridges

How a Dental Bridge Is Held in Place

A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic that closes the space left by multiple missing teeth. It has two main components: artificial teeth called pontics and crowns (abutments) placed on the two teeth closest to the space on both sides. The artificial teeth can be made from various materials like gold, silver, and other metals, but porcelain pontics are the most popular since they look just like natural teeth.

Anchoring down a dental bridge

The type of dental bridge being installed in the patient’s mouth often dictates how the dentist goes about anchoring it down. Let us take a look at the four main types of dental bridges used in dentistry:

1. Conventional dental bridge

Traditional dental bridges are anchored down on the two teeth closest to the gap left by missing teeth. Crowns are usually placed on these teeth to strengthen them so they can provide more stability for the bridge. Preparing the abutments from crowns requires taking off enamel from their sides. That permanently leaves them altered, so they will always need a restoration to serve as their artificial enamel.

2. Cantilever dental bridge

Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but there is one significant difference; the pontics are anchored down to only one abutment. These types of bridges are typically recommended when there is only one tooth next to the space left by lost teeth.

3. Maryland dental bridge

These also use two abutments like traditional bridges, but it does not require placing crowns on the teeth closest to the gap. Maryland bridges use a porcelain or metal framework bonded to the backside of the two teeth closest to the gap.

4. Implant-supported dental bridge

Implant-supported bridges might be recommended for patients who want a complete missing teeth solution. Implants are metal rods that serve as artificial teeth roots, and they help prevent the bone tissue loss that takes place when a tooth is lost.

Implants also happen to be one of the pricier ways to replace missing teeth, so dentists often recommend combining them with other restorations to reduce costs. That way, the patient still gets the bone preserving properties of implants while saving a considerable about of money. To keep things in perspective, the price of a single implant is typically more than the cost of a full set of dentures.

Implant-supported bridges involve inserting implants at the two ends of the space left by missing teeth and placing crowns on them. These crowns then serve as abutments that hold pontics that replace the rest of their missing teeth in place.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of replacing missing teeth with dental bridges include:

  • Improves the patient’s smile
  • Restores speech
  • Improves chewing ability
  • Helps to preserve the shape of the patient’s teeth
  • Prevents the patient’s remaining teeth from moving out of their proper alignment

Replace your missing teeth

A dental bridge is one of the options you should consider if you have missing teeth. Give us a call or visit our Foothill Ranch clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.foothillfamilydentists.com or call Foothill Family Dentistry at (949) 506-2115 for an appointment in our Foothill Ranch office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Foothill Ranch, CA.

Recent Posts

3 Benefits Of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can help restore your dental health and appearance. Tooth loss can cause more dental problems. Replacing the missing teeth can restore your smile and improve your dental health. Getting this dental restoration might be the tooth loss solution you need. Here are the three basic dental bridge benefits you must consider.Losing at…

4 Types Of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are an excellent way to replace missing teeth and maintain your smile. When you have a dental bridge, you must know the different types of bridges available to make the best decision for your personal needs. This article will cover four types of dental bridges: fixed bridgework, traditional removable dentures, implant-supported dentures, and…

4 Tips For Dental Bridges Aftercare

You should always take care of your teeth, but it becomes especially important when you have dental bridges. Here are four proven tips to help maintain your dental bridges at home so they can last longer. These cleaning tips will help prevent cavities under your dental bridge and prevent extra unexpected trips to the dentist.Every…

Is A Dental Bridge Right For You?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that is used to literally bridge the gap between two teeth. Bridges are primarily used to hold artificial teeth in place by cementing a crown on the two healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. The anchoring teeth are known as abutments and the false tooth…

Foothill Family Dentistry

Share
Published by
Foothill Family Dentistry

Recent Posts

3 Reasons Why You Should Choose a Dental Professional for Denture Repair

Repairing broken dentures is necessary and requires professional denture repair if the dentures are to…

1 week ago

The Importance of Seeing a Preventive Dentist Regularly

Patients who want to keep their smile bright for as long as possible should regularly…

2 months ago

When Should You Replace an Old Dental Filling?

Replacing old dental fillings is a part of good oral healthcare from time to time.

3 months ago

Benefits of Having a Family Dentist for Your Oral Health

A family dentist treats patients of a wide range of ages, helping them to maintain…

4 months ago

The Importance of Regular General Dentistry Visits

Regular general dentistry visits are necessary for a number of reasons, however, it ultimately comes…

5 months ago

What Foods Are Off-Limits During Braces Treatment?

It is essential for braces wearers to avoid eating certain foods while undergoing treatment. Read…

6 months ago