Types of dental bridges
Traditional bridges
Traditional dental bridges involve placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to a missing tooth. A false tooth, known as a pontic, is held in place between the crowns. This structure allows the bridge to stay secure and function like natural teeth. These bridges are known for their durability. In fact, dentists often use them to replace back teeth such as molars. They are typically made from a combination of metal and porcelain or sometimes entirely from porcelain.
Cantilever bridges
Cantilever bridges are quite similar to traditional bridges, with one key difference: they are supported by a crown on only one side of the missing tooth. This makes them suitable for specific cases where there's only one adjacent tooth available to anchor the bridge. However, they’re not ideal for every situation and are usually placed in areas of the mouth that experience less biting pressure. Often, the tooth located behind the gap is used as the support.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For patients missing multiple teeth, implant-supported bridges can be an excellent solution. Instead of relying on crowns on natural teeth, these bridges are anchored by dental implants placed directly into the jawbone. The number of implants needed depends on how many teeth are missing and where they are located. This type of bridge offers exceptional stability and mimics the feel and function of natural teeth.
Maryland bridges
Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework to hold the false tooth in place. The framework includes small “wings” that are bonded to the backs of the adjacent natural teeth. Like traditional bridges, Maryland bridges require natural teeth on both sides of the gap. They are often used for front teeth and are considered a more conservative option since they don’t require reshaping of the surrounding teeth.