All You Should Know about Dental Bridges: Types & Benefits
Missing teeth can be detrimental to your dental health. The teeth perform many essential functions in our daily lives; therefore, they must stay in the mouth. However, the teeth can go missing due to dental infections, diseases, accidents, etc. That makes chewing of food, production of speech, and pronunciation of words difficult. Missing teeth also lead to dental problems and can make you prone to some medical conditions. You have to get missing teeth replaced as quickly as possible to prevent this. It would help if you considered getting dental bridges in La Marque, TX, for adequate teeth replacement.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a good replacement option for missing teeth that comprises a pontic (false tooth) and two crowns placed on abutment teeth or implants on either side of the missing tooth gap. It performs the functions of your natural teeth as it bridges the gaps in your teeth, literally. The false tooth, also known as the pontic, can be made from different materials; however, it is mainly made from porcelain to give your natural teeth a look and feel. Dental bridges require healthy teeth on either side of the gap left behind by a missing tooth.
Types Of Dental Bridges
There are four major types of dental bridges, and these groups are according to how the placement replaces your missing teeth. The dental bridges available in South Star Dental are traditional dental bridges, cantilever dental bridges, Maryland dental bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
Traditional Dental Bridge
You are eligible for a traditional dental bridge if natural teeth surround your missing tooth gap on both sides. A traditional dental bridge consists of one or more pontic (false teeth) held in place by dental crowns that have been cemented to two abutment teeth. The traditional bridge is the most common type of bridge, and it is solid and can be used to replace molars. They are mostly made with metals, ceramics, or porcelain fused with metal.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
Although similar to a traditional dental bridge, a cantilever dental bridge is held in place by a dental crown cemented to only one abutment tooth. This type of dental bridge is suitable for you if you have only a natural tooth left on either side of your missing tooth gap. The bridge is attached to an abutment tooth on only one side of the gap. The cantilever bridge is not as common as the traditional dental bridge and is not suitable for replacing teeth in the back of the mouth. This can put too much force on other teeth and damage them. Cantilever dental bridges can be made with porcelain fused to metal.
Maryland Dental Bridge
This type of dental bridge is suitable for you if you have missing front teeth. Its setup is similar to that of the traditional dental bridge because it also employs two natural abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap. However, a Maryland dental bridge uses a framework of either metal or porcelain bonded to the back of the abutment teeth, unlike a traditional dental bridge that uses dental crowns on abutment teeth. A Maryland bridge is also referred to as a resin-bonded bridge and can only work when you have a natural tooth left on each side of the missing tooth gap.
Implant-supported Dental Bridge
As its name implies, an implant-supported dental bridge uses a dental implant to support it, unlike other dental bridges that use frameworks or dental crowns. That is a suitable option when you have a lot of missing teeth. Typically, a dental implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth to support the bridge in place. The bridge may have a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns if this is not possible. This is considered the strongest dental bridge. However, you may need to undergo two surgeries to get it done.
The type of dental bridge used to replace your missing teeth might be determined by a dentist in La Marque based on your budget, the teeth to be replaced, strength and durability of the bridge, etc.
Benefits Of Dental Bridges
Below are the benefits of dental bridges:
- Dental bridges can help to improve your ability to chew correctly.
- Dental bridges can help to maintain the natural shape of your face.
- By using dental bridges, a dentist in 77568 can help restore your smile.
- Dental bridges prevent your teeth from shifting, malocclusion, and bone loss.
- Dental bridges restore your speech and pronunciation.
Get Tooth Bridges Near You
Worried about where to get dental bridges in La Marque, TX? Do not hesitate to call or book your appointment with South Star Dental for hassle-free dental care services.