If you lost teeth due to dental injuries, accidents, or decay, consider having replacements as soon as possible. Your dentist will give you a lot of options on how to restore your teeth and bring your smile back. One of the ways he can achieve that is through a dental bridge restorative treatment. In this method, he bridges or closes the gap between teeth after tooth loss.
A tooth bridge is composed of an artificial tooth and the abutment teeth on each side of the gap. The abutment teeth that serve as an anchorage are fitted with dental crowns and they keep the false tooth or pontic in place. The artificial tooth can be made of either ceramic, metal, or porcelain. For the purpose of aesthetics, dentists recommend porcelain dental bridge.
The restoration varies depending on the number of missing teeth to be replaced. Dentists may make three-unit bridges, four-unit, or six-unit dental bridges. Furthermore, the location of the gap would also matter on the type of dental bridge to be used by the dentist.
Different types of dental bridge restoration
Cantilever dental bridge
This type of bridge only needs one abutment tooth to hold the pontic in place. This is applicable when a patient needs to replace a lost molar. It is strongly recommended to use either gold or alloy since it is strong enough to withstand constant chewing pressure. On one hand, a porcelain dental bridge may be used when replacing a premolar or a front tooth.
Implant-supported tooth bridge
As the name suggests, the dentist uses an implant-supported bridge and covered with a crown to hold the pontic in place. This type is used when more teeth are missing. Dental implants make a sturdy base for the dental crowns that will keep the artificial tooth in place.
Maryland bridge
Dentists use a Maryland dental bridge when the patient has two healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap. They use a metal or porcelain framework to hold the pontic and attach it at the back of the abutment teeth. This is similar to the traditional bridge except that there’s no need for dental crowns.
Traditional dental bridge
This type is most often used by dentists when there are two natural teeth on every side of the gap. Unlike a Maryland bridge, the abutment teeth are trimmed and covered with dental crowns. The crowns strengthen the structure of the abutment teeth as they support the artificial tooth in between them. If the gap is within the smile area, it’s best to use a porcelain dental bridge for a natural blend.
Now that you know the types of bridge restorations, contact your dentist and discuss your options to replace missing teeth. Who knows? A dental bridge in Waterloo, Ontario is just what you might need.
