Huntersville Dental Bridge Solutions
At The Smile Architects in Huntersville, NC, our team offers dental bridges as an option for replacing missing teeth. Reach us at 704-875-1621 to ask questions or set up a dental visit.
Losing a tooth or several teeth happens to many people over time.
According to the ADA, adults may have three missing or decayed teeth, on average. Fortunately, patients have several options for replacing missing teeth, and a dental bridge is one of them. A bridge can restore a section of the mouth where one or more teeth next to each other are missing, and it typically includes two main parts. The supports, known as abutments, are formed by placing a crown over either a natural tooth or a dental implant, and the artificial tooth that fills the gap is called a pontic. When only one tooth is missing, the two neighboring teeth are typically prepared for crowns, and a pontic is attached between them to fill the space. When several teeth in a row are missing, one or more dental implants may serve as the abutments instead.
Dental bridges are available in four main types.
The Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the type of bridge dentists use most often. One or more pontics sit between crowned abutments, which hold the pontic in place, and dental cement secures the crowns onto the teeth next to the gap. Together, these pieces form what is commonly called a “bridge” over the missing tooth or teeth.
The Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge works much like a traditional bridge, but the structure relies on support from only one side rather than both. Because of this, the restoration can act somewhat like a “lever,” which may place extra strain on the supporting tooth and can make it more prone to loosening or fracturing over time.
The Implant-Supported Bridge
Rather than relying on natural teeth for support, this approach uses one or more dental implants to anchor one or both sides of the bridge. Many patients choose this option because it can offer a notably stable restoration, and it may be especially useful in cases involving several missing teeth in a row.
The Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge relies on a metal framework bonded to the back surface of the neighboring teeth. Although it typically is not as strong as a traditional bridge, it can help preserve more of the adjacent tooth structure since it does not require crowns for the abutments. This design may loosen under heavier forces, such as chewing or biting, and it can place some added pressure on the supporting teeth.
Contact The Smile Architects to explore your restorative options and find out whether a dental bridge could be a good fit for your smile.