If you've recently lost a tooth, or are missing several teeth, you've probably been exploring all the options for replacing them. Dental bridges are one of those options. Bridges are made up two crowns, which attach to your existing teeth, and a false tooth, or several false teeth in between. Unlike some options, like dentures, there's no need to wear an uncomfortable plate or worry about wires in your mouth.
There are three main types of bridges, which vary slightly.
Traditional bridges
This is the most common type of bridge, and it's usually made from porcelain fused with metal or ceramics. It works by attaching a false tooth to two crowns, which are joined to the adjacent teeth.
Cantilever bridges
If there's only one tooth remaining to the side of your missing teeth, then a cantilever bridge will be used. This is less common and can put a lot of pressure on your existing teeth, particularly when used towards the back of the mouth.
Maryland bonded bridges
Also known as resin-bonded bridges, these are generally used to replace missing teeth at the front of the mouth. A false tooth is fused to a metal band, then attached to your existing teeth using resin cement. It's important to be aware that this solution isn't as strong as a traditional bridge, and doesn't usually work well to replace multiple teeth.
Why get dental bridges?
If you've been missing teeth for a while, you might wonder whether or not a bridge is really necessary. Dental bridges actually come with a whole range of benefits, which include:
- Increased confidence. Many people notice an increase in self-esteem when their smile is fully restored.
- It's easier to eat and chew - you won't have to worry about avoiding the gap, as your bridge will function just like a regular tooth.
- It's easier to speak. Missing teeth can impact the way your voice sounds, or how easy it is to speak. A bridge will solve that issue.
- Maintain the shape of your face. The appearance of your face can alter quite dramatically when you're missing teeth, and the effect may intensify over time. Bridges help keep your face the shape it was before you lost a tooth.
- Keep other teeth in position. When there's a gap in your smile, your other teeth can start to drift out of position. That's not an issue when you have a bridge.
Missing teeth? A dental bridge could be the perfect way to restore your smile.
