Farmington Hills dentist explains types of bridges
By Dr. Richard Bernstein
As the name implies, dental bridges span the gap left after a tooth falls out or it is extracted. Bridges are often referred to in connection with crowns because crowns provide the anchors to keep the bridge in place permanently. A bridge is comprised of abutment teeth, which are where the crowns secure the bridge to remaining teeth or implants on either side of the space. In between, prosthetic teeth, called pontics, can complete your natural looking smile.
There are three main types of dental bridges. They include:
- Cantilever bridges - in rare situations in which there are not adjacent teeth or implants on both sides of the missing tooth area, a structure may be secured on only one side. Cantilever bridges are not recommended for the back of the mouth
- Resin-bonded bridge - also called a Maryland bonded bridge because it was developed at the University of Maryland, this type of bridge can be made of plastic, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal and may be secured with porcelain or metal wings that are bonded to supporting teeth
- Conventional or traditional bridges - the most common type of dental bridge is typically made of porcelain, other ceramics, or porcelain fused to metal. They are attached to adjacent teeth or dental implants with a dental crown
Helping patients restore or achieve the smiles of their dreams is our goal. With dental bridges, many of our patients have enjoyed the benefits of:
- Renewed confidence and improved appearance
- Ability to eat and speak comfortably
- Adjust uncomfortable bite and restore stability
- Support and retain the foundation for remaining teeth, reducing the risk of shifting
- Restored facial balance and fullness
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