If you have a gap left by one or more missing teeth, dental bridges may be a good restorative treatment option. There are several types of bridges available, and the location of your tooth loss and the condition of the surrounding teeth determines which type would work in your situation.
As implied by the name, the treatment bridges the gap left between remaining healthy teeth by a missing tooth. A bridge can also fill in a gap left by several missing teeth adjacent to one another. It consists of a prosthesis that mimics the appearance of a natural tooth and functions similarly inside the mouth. Most types of bridges are also anchored to adjacent teeth to hold them in place.
Not every type of bridge is appropriate for every situation. For example, some work better for either the front or the back teeth, and others are only appropriate if several teeth are missing in a row.
A traditional dental bridge is a prosthesis to replace the missing tooth supported by two crowns on either side. The crowns are applied to the teeth adjacent to the gap to hold the prosthesis in place. This treatment is appropriate in either the front or the back and can replace up to four teeth at a time. The adjacent teeth have to be strong enough to support the bridge, and they have to be modified for the crown application.
Like traditional bridges, an implant-supported bridge is appropriate for either the front or back teeth, but only if several teeth are missing in a row. This treatment does not affect the surrounding teeth because it is supported by implants placed directly into the jawbone. It is a very durable replacement option, and once the treatment is complete, it will last a long time. However, placing the implants is invasive and takes several months for the implants to bond with the bone.
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional dental bridge except that it anchors to only one adjacent tooth instead of both of them. This saves time and money because only one tooth has to be modified and fitted with a crown. However, it is only appropriate for teeth near the front of the mouth, and the pressure of chewing may put too much strain on a single molar.
A Maryland bonded bridge is a less invasive alternative to a traditional bridge, and each requires the support of two healthy adjacent teeth to hold it in place. Unlike a traditional bridge, there is no need to modify the adjacent teeth with a Maryland bridge. Rather, it has two metal "wings" on the side bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth with composite resin, so there is no need to remove healthy tooth enamel. This treatment is only appropriate for the front teeth.
Your circumstances determine which of the four types of dental bridges are available to you as treatment options.
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