Farmington Hills dentist explains types of bridges

By Dr. Richard Bernstein

Tooth loss does not have to affect your healthy and happy smile permanently. Whether you are missing one, several, or all of your teeth, there are options, such as dental implants, partial or complete dentures, and dental bridges.

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

At Richard S. Bernstein, DDS, in Farmington Hills, we understand how important your smile is to you. Since 1985, Dr. Bernstein has been helping patients to maintain, protect, or restore their beautiful smiles. A distinguished and experienced leader in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Bernstein is also the only Michigan dentist to be accredited by the American Society for Dental Aesthetics.

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

To find out if dental bridges may be an option for you, contact Richard S. Bernstein, DDS, today, online or by calling 248.636.2100.

Richard S. Bernstein D.D.S

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With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bernstein is a renowned cosmetic dentist and is passionate about providing the best for his patients, making him a respected pillar of trust amongst his community. He possesses a Masters in Biochemistry - WSU School of Medicine, and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery - University of Detroit.He is presently a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Diplomate in the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry (ABAD) to name a few.