What Are Dental Bridges?
As the name suggests, dental bridges are made to ‘bridge’ gaps in between healthy teeth where a tooth or teeth may have been lost due to decay or other reasons. Here in Kentucky, the process of getting a dental bridge usually involves at least two separate appointments. It is vital that you have great general oral health and also to have strong jaw bone support. Patients with bad oral health may not be suitable for this type of treatment because it does involve the removal of some of the tooth enamel which protects teeth. Below, you will find a list of the three main types of dental bridge which your dentist may recommend for your particular issues.
Types Of Bridges
Traditional dental bridges
Traditional dental bridges are by far the most popular type of bridge which your dentist may suggest. They are made up of prosthetic teeth that can be held in place by dental crowns or abutments. The crowns must be cemented to the healthy teeth next to where the bridge will go before the actual bridge can be installed. The dentist will have to prepare the nearby healthy teeth by removing some of the enamel and this is permanent. This means that if you wish to change the type of bridge in the future, you will still have to use the same abutments.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges are used to replace front teeth which have been lost, they are resin-bonded. This type of bridge is made by fusing fake with metal bands, they are then cemented to the abutment teeth using a dental cement. One drawback to this type of bridge is that they have a higher failure rate when compared to traditional bridges because they are slightly weaker by design.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are very similar in design to the traditional bridge, the only difference is that they are only attached to healthy teeth on one side. This type of bridge is only recommended in instances where only one side of the missing tooth has natural teeth. An experienced dentist will recommend cantilever dental bridges that are perfect for such a condition.
How to care for Dental Bridges
As we said the beginning, patients suitable for this type of treatment must has excellent oral hygiene prior to treatment and the same is true for after. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has stated that installing dental bridges using abutment teeth predisposes the patient to tooth decay and gum disease. Hence, it is essential to brush your teeth regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, it’s vital to use recommended toothpaste that prevents tartar build-up and gingivitis.