Dental Bridges: Types, Procedure, Benefits, and Care

Dental bridges are permanent appliances that bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They are made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. Dental brides mimic the look and shape of natural teeth.

The bridge may be made of different types of material, including alloys, gold, or porcelain. It is often used while replacing front tooth porcelain because it looks like natural teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are mainly four types of dental bridges:

Traditional Dental Bridge

These are the most famous dental bridges used when the natural teeth have a missing tooth/gap on the sides. The bridge consists of a fake tooth, (also called Pontic) supported by two abutment teeth.

Moreover, abutment teeth (are dental crowns) look like natural teeth to support the pontic teeth between them. Traditional dental bridges consist of ceramic, porcelain mixed to metal.

To put caps on the adjacent teeth, the dentist in Providence, RI will need to get rid of some enamel. They also need to shape/file the two teeth next to the fake tooth. It is done to ensure the dental crown fits correctly. Traditional bridges are mostly used to restore teeth, such as molars and premolars.

Cantilever Dental Bridges

Cantilever bridges are also made of porcelain fused to metal. Same as traditional bridges, cantilever bridges are attached to an abutment tooth, but only on one side.

Your dentist needs to prepare the adjacent tooth to support the bridge by removing enamel. A cantilever is an ideal option while replacing front teeth with a bridge. But these are not strong enough to support molars.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges are also called adhesive bridges that are used to replace teeth at the front of the mouth. They consist of a pontic that is supported by the metal.

These bridges don’t require enamel removed as the bridge does not need to be held in place by crowns. They are rarely used to restore missing molars where teeth experience a lot of biting force.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants, instead of being supported by natural teeth. One dental implant is placed for every missing tooth to hold the bridge in place.

Your dentist may also include a pontic tooth between two crowns supported by the implant in case it’s impossible to place one implant for each lost tooth.

This type of bridge is used to restore teeth such as molars and premolars. It is suggested to patients who have at least three missing teeth in a row. Google Search to know which type of dental bridge will be the best fit for you.

Dental Bridge Procedure

Dental bridge procedures complete in two appointments.

First Visit

During the first appointment, a local anesthetic is administered to make your mouth numb. After that, your dentist will shape and file the abutment teeth. Enamel and any additional tooth structure are removed to make a proper room for the other tooth.

After impressions are made, the dental experts customize your dental bridges. While your permanent bridge is being made, dentists place a temporary removable dental bridge to fill the gap.

Second Visit

Once the permanent bridge is ready, you will return for the second appointment. The dentist will remove your temporary dental bridge and clean your teeth. Then, the bridge and teeth are bonded together using special dental cement for a fixed dental bridge.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge provides many benefits, including:

• Restoring your one or more missing teeth
• Restoring your smile
• They redistribute the bite force and restore your ability to chew properly.
• It prevents your remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
• Maintain the facial structure by preventing bone loss from the jaw at the site of missing teeth.
• Enhances your natural speaking and eating ability.

To get back your missing teeth and beautiful smile, consult today for dental
bridges in Providence, RI.

Dental Bridge Aftercare

Oral care is necessary after a permanent bridge is positioned. For proper care, you should:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily.
• See your dentist regularly because it helps to detect problems early when treatment is more successful.
• Eat a balanced diet and avoid hard and sticky foods like candies, ice creams, and sugary foods.

To know more, call Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff today.