A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that fills the gap left by one or multiple missing teeth. These reliable restorations are supported by the adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth, or by dental implants. Dental bridges are designed to look and fit naturally, providing comfort and restoring oral functions after tooth loss.
Dental bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain and metal alloys. At Pacific Coast Dentistry, our dentist will help you decide which material best suits your needs, budget, and overall smile aesthetics.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridge
A traditional dental bridge uses two dental crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth for support. The crowns anchor the restoration in place. The artificial teeth are bonded to the abutment crowns and fill the gap created by the missing teeth.
Bridges are non-removable restorations that can last for many years with proper care. To care for them properly, patients should be sure to brush and floss around the restorations every day to prevent decay and gum disease from developing.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is supported by only one tooth instead of two. This type of bridge is used when there is only one healthy adjacent tooth to anchor the restoration. This tooth is prepared and fitted with a crown that will support the dental bridge.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
A Maryland bonded bridge does not require healthy teeth to be altered to hold the bridge in place. This makes it a good choice for patients who don’t want to have to perform extensive restorative work on their remaining teeth. The Maryland bonded bridge is a less invasive type of bridge and can last many years with proper oral hygiene and maintenance.
The Procedure for Dental Bridges
To place a traditional bridge, the anchoring teeth are ground down slightly to accommodate the abutment crowns. The crowns and artificial teeth are customized based on impressions to ensure they are comfortable and look natural and are cemented in place.
After placement, patients may experience some sensitivity or soreness for a few days. This can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.
In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, dental bridges also enhance your ability to speak and chew food. For more information, visit Pacific Coast Dentistry at 143 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446, or call (805) 226-8126.