Dental Bridges
If you’re missing one or two adjacent teeth, a dental bridge may be a simple and affordable way to improve your chewing ability and restore your smile. While it’s not the ideal treatment for every patient, a dental bridge is an excellent solution in many cases. Discover more about the dental bridge and see if it’s the optimal way to restore your smile.
Understanding the Dental Bridge
The dental bridge is aptly named because it literally forms a bridge between the teeth. It’s necessary for the patient to have healthy teeth on either side of the bridge in order to stabilize the restoration. Once the surrounding teeth are prepared, they’ll be covered with crowns, while pontics will be used as the replacements in the middle.
Types of Dental Bridges
The type of bridge used will depend on the location of your missing teeth. These are the common types of dental bridges typically used for restorative procedures:
1. Fixed Bridge
The fixed dental bridge is secured in place, so it’s designed to be a durable and permanent part of your smile. It’s also the most common type of dental bridge and is used in a wide range of situations.
2. Front Tooth Bridge
The key difference with the front tooth bridge is the front teeth endure more pressure when biting, so this type of bridge has to be even stronger. To add strength, two crowns are typically used on either side of the restorations to replace missing front teeth.
3. Bonded Bridge
When a patient only needs to replace one tooth, a bonded bridge is a viable option. A bonded bridge is different because it uses a bonding solution to adhere to the surrounding teeth. This means that it’s not as strong as a fixed bridge but it has an important benefit – it doesn’t require the surrounding teeth to be altered.
Alternatives to a Dental Bridge
If you’re missing one or a few teeth, a dental bridge may be a reliable solution, but it’s not the only solution. The two main alternatives to a bridge are a partial denture or a dental implant, and both of these can be used on one tooth or all of them if necessary. Only by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Milsap can you find out which restorative treatment is right for you.
Is a Dental Bridge the Best Way to Restore Your Smile?
Dental bridges have provided a strong, durable way to replace missing teeth for millions of people, and they may be able to do the same for you. If you’re missing one or more teeth and have healthy teeth surrounding the empty sockets, you may qualify for a dental bridge. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Milsap and he’ll answer any questions you may have about the procedure. We look forward to meeting you!