Dental bridges act as false teeth – also known as pontic teeth – to “bridge” the gap in the mouth created by one or more missing teeth. Usually made from porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of all three, dental bridges are held in by implants in the jawbone, or attached to adjacent teeth using crowns or bands.
At Marsfield Dental Clinic, we lean towards porcelain bridges for a more natural result that blends with your existing teeth. However, there are three different types of bridges to choose from. We’ve covered the types in this article, to compare the benefits and the factors that determine why a certain type of bridge is chosen.
1. Traditional bridges
Traditional dental bridges are the most commonly chosen. This bridge is used when natural teeth surround the missing tooth, and become the supporting structure for the pontic tooth. Most often made of ceramic or porcelain, traditional bridges are fused with metal to make them sturdy enough to replace molar teeth. It’s important to note that your dentist may need to remove some enamel from your natural teeth, as crowns will need to be placed on these teeth to secure the bridges.
Benefits of traditional bridges:
2. Cantilever bridges
Cantilever bridges are applied in a similar way to traditional bridges, in that they are secured to a neighbouring tooth, but in this case only one natural tooth needs to be present. This adjacent tooth will also need to be prepared by the removal of enamel, so a crown can be attached and the bridge can be secured.
Benefits of cantilever bridges:
3. Resin-bonded/Maryland bridges
Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, are commonly used to replace teeth missing at the front of the mouth. Porcelain or metal bands are used to bind the pontic to the back of the adjacent natural teeth. Unlike the other types, Maryland bridges don’t need to be held in place by crowns, so there’s no need to have any enamel removed.
Benefits of resin-bonded bridges:
Still unsure which type of dental bridge will be best for you? It all depends on factors such as jawbone density and overall oral health, and your dentist at Marsfield Dental Clinic will be able to conduct an analysis to determine which bridge is the most appropriate way to restore your smile.
To find out more about the procedure, or to book an appointment, contact our clinic on (02) 9887 1961 or info@marsfielddentalcare.com.au.
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