4 Common Types of Dental Bridges

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Nowadays, a lot of people have problems with their teeth, and one of them is missing teeth. A dental bridge is a good method to replace missing teeth. People without teeth have a lot of problems, for example, gum disease, tooth decay, uncertainty, etc. Dental clinics give us a wide range of cosmetic dentistry. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), around 3 million American citizens have received dental implants. In this article, we want to introduce you to the types of dental bridges. 

1. Traditional fixed bridge

This type of bridge uses your adjacent teeth to place the bridge. It can be made of gold, porcelain, alloys, but in most cases, people choose porcelain because it looks natural. Adjacent teeth must be strong to stand the bridge. This type of bridges have pros and cons:

- It looks and feels natural

- Reasonable pricing

- Surgery is not required 

- The procedure can be done in a few visits

- Adjoined teeth can be damaged

- Food can get under the bridge

- This method can be used only if you have adjoined teeth.

2. Implant-supported bridge

This type of bridge is an ideal variant for those who have no teeth in a row. It also can be made from different materials, but the main difference is that two corner teeth must be implants, but the teeth between them can be covered with a bridge. There is no need to implant all missing teeth. This type of bridges have pros and cons:

- It looks and feels natural

- Effective as a dental implant

- Economical choice 

- Usage only in special conditions 

- Not permanent variant

- Needs more than one dentist visit

3. Maryland dental bridge

This type of dental bridge is widely used to replace front teeth rather than aside. It is made from a metal frame and contains a tooth. It has wings that can be metal or porcelain, these wings being fixed to adjacent teeth on the backside. It is a good alternative to a traditional dental bridge. This type of bridges have pros and cons:

- It costs less than dental implants

- No risk, damaged crowns are easily replaced

- Tested by time 

- Healthier gums

- Keep teeth from shifting

- May not be comfortable 

- Not permanent 

- May stain adjacent teeth enamel

4. Cantilever bridge 

This type of bridge is also widely used to replace front teeth, but it differs from other bridges: this bridge needs only one adjustable tooth instead of two. It is as strong as other types of dental bridges, also made from ceramic, cantilever, etc. This type of bridges have pros and cons:

- It looks and feels natural

- Reasonable pricing

- Surgery is not required 

- The procedure can be done in a few visits

- This method can not fit everyone (you should have healthy gums)

- A bridge can be broken (it is attached only for one tooth)

The bottom line

All in all, dental bridges are a good way to replace a missing tooth. This type of dental cosmetology will restore your smile, make you more confident, improve chewing, improve speaking, prevent teeth from shifting, and of course, improve your quality of life. Dental hygiene is an essential factor in your bridge’s long-term success. A dental bridge can be used per 10 years with appropriate care. If you follow these simple rules you will be able to maintain a bridge for years:

- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once 

- Regularly visit your dentist

- Avoid smoking 

- Avoid sticky items like caramel 

- Use toothpaste with fluoride

- Clean properly under a bridge

- Eat fruit and vegetables with a high level of fiber