28 Feb If You Need a Dental Bridge, You Have Four Options
Our teeth do a lot more than help us chew our food—they help us smile and speak as well! Replacing your missing teeth can restore functionality and allow you to reach for more of those crunchy, healthy foods. It can also help you build more confidence by giving you a dazzling smile. A dental bridge can fill the gap that missing teeth left behind—in fact they’re the most common type of tooth replacement. And with four different types of dental bridges, there’s sure to be an option that will work for you.
How to Know If You Need a Dental Bridge
If you are missing one or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge might be right for you. Bridges can typically replace one to four missing teeth in a row. If you are missing more than four teeth in a row, then you may need dentures or partial dentures instead. But the only way to know if you need a dental bridge is to consult a dentist.
All dental bridges work by creating a framework of anchors that support the false teeth and keep them in place. Every dental bridge has two main parts:
- The pontics are the false teeth that are used to fill the gap.
- The abutments are structures that anchor and support the dental bridge. Typically, the abutments are dental crowns that fit over the teeth on either side of the gap.
There are four types of dental bridges. Which one you need depends on the shape of your mouth, the integrity of your remaining teeth, and your budget for dental work. Your dentist will evaluate your dental health and help you decide which option is best for you.
The Four Types of Dental Bridges
1: Traditional Dental Bridges
This type of restoration is most commonly used to replace back teeth like molars and premolars. Traditional bridges work best for filling gaps that have healthy teeth on either side. The pontics are supported by dental crowns, which makes this type of bridge very sturdy.
2: Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Another, newer option is implant-supported bridges. This type of bridge is perfect if your remaining teeth are weak and can’t support crowns. The abutments for implant-supported bridges are surgical steel posts that are anchored in your jaw. The implants mimic a natural tooth root and provide the sensory import needed to keep your bone tissue strong. Implant-supported bridges are another good choice for replacing back teeth, due to their superior strength.
3: Cantilever Dental Bridges
This type of bridge uses only one abutment. A cantilever bridge is a choice for when there is only one missing tooth and only one healthy tooth to support the pontic. While not as strong as the two bridge options above, it is a more affordable option compared to a dental implant.
4: Maryland Dental Bridges
Resin-bonded bridges, commonly called Maryland bridges, do not use crowns as the abutments. Instead, they use a metal framework that wraps around the pontic and attaches to the healthy teeth on either side. This restoration preserves more of the natural teeth, but is also slightly weak against mashing and grinding. Maryland bridges are most often used to replace missing front teeth.
Bridging the Gap in Prescott, Arizona
Hicks Dental Group understands the importance of a healthy smile, which is why we offer premium dental care at affordable prices. We can restore your missing teeth so you can smile confidently again. If you want to find out if you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/28/25). Photo by Suad Kamardeen on Unsplash.