If you ever feel ashamed of your missing teeth, you are not alone. Most adults between the age of 20 and 64 years old are suffering from decayed or missing teeth. However, that shouldn’t stop you from getting your confidence back. Fortunately, several options may help you replace your missing teeth, including a dental bridge. But what does it do with your teeth and what role does it play?
What is a dental bridge?
It’s a false tooth, otherwise known as a pontic, in between the abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. Although other materials are available, most patients still choose porcelain due to its natural sheen. There are four basic types of a porcelain dental bridge that your dentist may recommend.
Basic types of a dental bridge
Traditional dental bridges
It’s one of the standard types of a bridge and usually has two or more false teeth held strongly by dental crowns. The dentist firmly cements the dental crowns, commonly known as abutments, to the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
Most dentists use a traditional dental bridge when the patient still has natural teeth on both sides of the gap made by the missing tooth. One major downside of this procedure is that the dentist will need to reduce the adjacent teeth’s enamel to give space for the crowns. Since enamel doesn’t recover on its own, the teeth need to stay protected using crowns.
Cantilever bridges
Another option for replacing missing teeth are cantilever bridges. They almost resemble the traditional bridges except that the abutment that supports the pontic is on one side alone. It’s perfect for instances when there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap. Same with a traditional bridge, your dentist will also remove the enamel of the adjacent tooth to add stability to the bridge.
Maryland bridges
Dentists consider it as the most conservative alternative to a traditional porcelain dental bridge. It usually consists of a pontic held by a framework made with either metal or porcelain. The dentist commonly bonds the structure onto the back of the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Since there’s no need to place the bridge using crowns, the dentist doesn’t need to file the adjacent teeth.
While this type of bridge dental treatment is more conservative than the traditional bridges, it still has its cons. The strength of the resin determines if it’s enough to hold the bridge in place. So, there’s a chance that it might not remain intact if the teeth receive a lot of biting force regularly. The framework may also obstruct your gums as well as your bite.
Implant- supported bridges
Another option that a dentist may suggest is an implant-supported dental bridge. Instead of using crowns or frameworks to support it, the dental implants support the pontic. Typically, the dentist places one implant for every missing tooth. If one implant for every gap is impossible, the dentist needs to suspend the pontic between implant-supported crowns.
Since the dentist uses implants to secure a single tooth bridge, it feels more secure and comfortable as if they’re natural teeth. However, the downside is that the patient needs to undergo two separate surgeries to place the implants. The first surgery is for the setting of the implants while the second is for putting the bridge. So, it’s best for the patient to expect a few months to complete the procedure.
A porcelain dental bridge is a great solution in closing the gaps in your smile. With so many variants of dental bridges available, you’ll surely find the right option to get your confidence back. There’s no better feeling than to have a complete set of teeth to brighten your smile. Feel free to set an appointment with your dentist who knows about a dental bridge in Markham, Ontario to learn more about the procedure.
