What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is an oral appliance that can replace a missing tooth in your smile using dental implants or surrounding teeth as an anchor for the artificial tooth at the center of the bridge. When you visit a dental clinic in Marietta for your bridgework and follow up with your dentist for regular checkups, you can expect a bridge to last at least 10 years. Bridges are generally made from ceramic or porcelain, which can match the color of the natural teeth and ensure an aesthetically-pleasing result following the placement of a dental bridge. Below you can see the different types of dental bridges that exist to fill in gaps in your smile for an improved appearance, better oral health, and a lower risk of suffering from a dental emergency.

Traditional Bridges
Many patients who receive bridgework will have traditional bridges, which have dental crowns on either end that will fit over dental implants or natural teeth that have been prepared for the crowns. In between the crowns, one or multiple artificial teeth will be supported by the teeth or implants on either side. To ensure a tight fit, the crown ends are bonded in place with dental cement.

Cantilever Bridges
When a missing tooth only has teeth on one side of it, your dentist will tell you that a cantilever bridge can provide an appropriate solution. This type of bridge has one or multiple crowns on one side of an artificial tooth. Cantilever bridges can be just as strong and durable as traditional bridges with the right treatment planning and follow-up care.

Resin-Bonded Bridges
Resin-bonded bridges, or Maryland bridges, are designed to replace teeth missing in the front of the mouth, where aesthetics will be a more significant consideration. These bridges have metal or ceramic wings on either side that are bonded to existing teeth from the backside. While the appearance of these bridges is often favorable for the front teeth, the lifespan of these devices may be shorter, and patients might have to limit what they eat with this type of bridge in place.

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