A bridge is a custom-made restoration used to replace one missing tooth or several teeth in a row, creating a natural-looking smile that looks and functions as it should. The bridge is anchored to neighboring healthy teeth using dental crowns. At George J. Karr, DDS, we use this restoration to replace missing teeth permanently, unlike removable dentures.
Why Use a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge fills the gap caused by one or more missing teeth, and the bridge is anchored in place by the two teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile; these are called abutments.
Traditionally, crowns are placed on these teeth to support the bridge’s structure and keep it secure. However, if you’re not keen on having your healthy teeth ground down to accommodate crowns or looking for a longer-lasting solution, we may place an implant-supported bridge instead.
Implant bridges have several advantages over traditional bridges. They look more natural in your smile and don’t negatively affect the healthy adjacent teeth like crown-supported bridges. Plus, they require no special care to keep clean. Simply brush and floss your remaining teeth to keep your smile looking great. Not cleaning your restoration makes it even easier to care for your oral health at home.
Types of Dental Bridges
Cantilever Bridge
This is the most common type of bridge. It is supported by only one end and is attached to two crowns on the adjacent top teeth called “abutments.” The cantilever bridge is commonly used in mouth areas where only one tooth is on either side of the gap.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
This type is used on a gap with a missing tooth between two healthy and robust teeth on either side. It is a more conservative treatment than a conventional bridge. Like the traditional bridge, it is secured by a crown on each abutment. However, no crowns are placed over the center part of the bridge. Instead, the false tooth is held in place by a metal bar bonded to the surrounding teeth. This is a good option for patients with insufficient healthy enamel on their teeth to support crowns.
Conventional Fixed Bridge
A traditional fixed bridge is a non-removable restoration used to create a fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. To place a conventional fixed bridge, we will place porcelain crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap to act as abutments. The bridge is fabricated out of porcelain and is then bonded into place over the two abutments creating a secure restoration that fully restores your smile.
A bridge can be an effective restorative solution if you have a missing tooth or teeth. Visit the dentist in Boca Raton, FL - George J. Karr, DDS, at 1590 NW 10th Ave #400, Boca Raton, 33486, or call (561) 368-9966 to learn more about dental bridges!
