A dental bridge is a great option for replacing any missing teeth you may have. There are different types of dental bridge procedures that accommodate different circumstances. Traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported dental bridges are the 4 main types.

Why Consider a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges replace your missing teeth. A dental bridge can improve your smile, help with your pronunciation and speech, allow you to properly chew again, and hold your other teeth in position. A bridge is a great option but like any procedure, it is important to do your research and ask your dentist any questions you have before making a decision.

Traditional Dental Bridges

A traditional dental bridge is the most common type of bridge. It requires that you have a natural tooth on each side of the gap where the missing tooth or teeth once were. The bridge will have a false tooth or teeth and a crown on each side. The crowns are cemented to the natural teeth on both sides of the gap leaving the false teeth to fill the gap.

Cantilever Dental Bridges 

A cantilever bridge is similar in structure to a traditional bridge. The only difference from a traditional bridge is that the cantilever only requires one natural tooth beside the gap rather than two. There is only one crown cemented to a natural tooth holding the false tooth in place.

Maryland Dental Bridges

Just like a traditional bridge, a Maryland bridge requires two natural teeth on each side of the gap left by the missing teeth. However, a Maryland bridge does not use a crown in order to keep the false teeth in place. This bridge uses a framework that is typically made of porcelain or metal. The framework is bonded to the back of the natural teeth on either side of the gap holding the false teeth in place.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

An implant-supported bridge does not require any natural teeth to hold the false teeth in place. Rather than using crowns or frameworks, this type of bridge uses implants to hold the false tooth or teeth in place. In most cases, an implant is placed in the jawbone for each missing tooth. There are some cases depending on the individual’s jaw bone that won’t allow for each tooth to have its own implant. In these cases the implants that could be placed support the bridge.

Dental Bridges with AH Dentistry

Dr. Alberto A. Herrero is our experienced cosmetic dentist at AH Dentistry. Dr. Herrero is committed to providing personalized care to all of his patients. He will talk to you and suggest the best procedure to improve your smile. Our staff is ready to help you achieve a brilliant smile. If you have any questions regarding dental bridges or any of our other dental services, call our office today at (734) 222-9140 or contact us online.

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