What Are Dental Bridges? Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth (abutments). Bridges can effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth and restore your smile with a natural appearance and functionality.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type, consisting of a false tooth or teeth held in place by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth. They are ideal for cases where the neighboring teeth are healthy and strong enough to support the bridge.
Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are natural teeth on only one side of the missing tooth gap. A cantilever bridge is anchored to just one adjacent tooth, providing support for the pontic.
Implant-Supported Bridges: When additional support is needed or adjacent teeth are not suitable for crowns, dental implants can be used to support the bridge. This type of bridge offers greater stability and is ideal for multiple missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Enhanced Appearance: Bridges are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking restoration.
Improved Functionality: With a bridge, you can regain the ability to chew and speak comfortably, improving your overall quality of life.
Preserved Oral Health: By filling the gap left by missing teeth, a bridge helps maintain proper alignment of your remaining teeth and prevents bite issues.
Durability: Bridges are designed to be durable and long-lasting, with proper care potentially providing years of reliable service.