What Are Dental Bridges Used For?

If you have a missing tooth, then a dental bridge may be used to fill that gap. The bridge is constructed of false teeth to fill the gap. On both ends of the bridge are crowns that slide over your existing teeth to provide structural support to the artificial tooth. A bridge is held on via cement so that it can be a relatively permanent solution.

Who Benefits Most From Dental Bridges?

It's not uncommon for teeth to decay, become injured, or be destroyed due to gum disease. Bridges installed by Dr. Sandra Echavarria help to provide support where your missing teeth and offer you a healthier-looking smile that you can be proud of. A dental bridge can be used on adults and children alike who are missing one or more teeth.

Their main purpose is to prevent the surrounding teeth from moving into the empty space created by your missing tooth. Additionally, having a dental bridge in place will work to prevent teeth on the opposite jaw from moving out of the gums towards the empty space. Dental bridges help to prevent bite problems, chewing difficulties, self-consciousness, and pain from overly stressed teeth and jaws.

The Various Types of Dental Bridges

While the overall concept of a dental bridge is fairly easy to understand, there are actually four different types of bridges that can be utilized in the mouth. These include a traditional fixed bridge, cantilever bridge, Maryland dental bridge, and implant-supported bridge. Each type of bridge is specifically designed to work in a particular scenario.

The most commonly used type of dental bridge is the traditional fixed bridge. This has more than one crown and a filler tooth that are unified into one piece. The job of the crowns for a traditional fixed bridge is to keep the bridge in place. These bridges can be made out of porcelain fused to metal, or ceramics. Very similar to the traditional fixed bridge, the implant-supported bridge simply utilizes implants instead of cement to hold the bridge in place.

The cantilever bridge is utilized when there are natural teeth only on one side of the missing tooth. Instead of having two crowns, the cantilever bridge only has one crown connected to the false tooth. Finally, the Maryland dental bridge is used when one of your front teeth is missing. The framework is constructed of metal wings and a false tooth. The metal wings adhere to the inside of the surrounding two teeth. These types of bridges can be constructed of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal.

DiBella Dental Care serves the entire New Fairfield, CT region. Call us today to schedule your next appointment for dental bridges, cleanings, and everything else oral health.