Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used for treating tooth damage. They are cemented onto the existing teeth that are either damaged, or are no longer able to serve their function.
Bridges are typically used to cover the space that is created due to losing one or more teeth. These prosthetic devices are cemented between the naturally existing teeth or implants to fulfil the place and function of the missing tooth.
Bridging is beneficial in strengthening your teeth and prevents them from being exposed to further damage. Bridges and crowns can also be used for aesthetic purposes and serve in improving the appearance, shape, and alignment of your teeth.
The gap existing due to missing teeth can impact the positioning and alignment of your other teeth and can cause shifting. Using bridges and crowning can help you prevent this occurrence.
There are four types of dental bridges that are commonly used in the present age. They are discussed briefly underneath:
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are the most commonly used bridges used by dentists across the world. These bridges comprise fake teeth that are crowned and placed between natural teeth on either side. These bridges can also be used as replacements for molars and serve the same function as naturally occurring teeth.
Traditional bridging, however, requires removing the enamel of adjacent teeth which makes them prone to getting damaged. Thus they need to be protected with crowns that can be cemented on the top.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are similar to the traditional bridges. However, they only need the support of one adjacent tooth rather than two.
Cantilever bridges are not as widely acclaimed as the traditional bridges. This is because of their ability to fracture the teeth and the inadequate support of the crowns that can easily loosen.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges comprise fake teeth or pontic that are held in their place using a metal or porcelain framework. This framework, using the support of adjacent teeth, holds the fake tooth in place.
It does not require crowning and the enamel of the adjacent teeth remains intact. The shortcomings of Maryland bridges include the requirement of additional force to bite and the possibility of metal framework harming the gums.
Implant Bridges
The implant-support bridges are effective for cases where you have more than one tooth missing. Contrary to the previous three sorts of bridges, this one does not take the support of crowns or frameworks. The bridges use the implant for support.
Each missing tooth is replaced by one implant to hold the bridge in its place. This sort of bridging is most secure and comfortable and also it does not impact other teeth or the gums. They are more like natural replacements for the lost teeth.
You can evaluate each option and discuss with your dentist to decide which bridge option is best suited for you.