Dental Bridges McMinnville, OR
 What Are the Types of Dental Bridges?
If you have a gap in your mouth from missing teeth, do not worry. The easiest way to fix it is with a dental bridge restoration. The bridge hooks across the gap in your mouth and places a false tooth inside of your gap. It sounds simple, but there are four different types of bridges that you can use to get that gap filled. In order to make sure that you have the most knowledge possible, our Hometown Dental is going to list out each of the bridge types and make sure that you understand them all.
The four bridge types do the exact same thing, but all have their key differences that make each type unique and special. Understanding them, and how they fit into your mouth, is only going to help you make a better choice.
Type One is the Traditional
This type of dental bridge uses three crowns to hold the teeth in place. One crown is placed inside of the gap to act as the new tooth, and this crown is called the pontic. While the other two crowns are placed on the teeth next to the gap. The two extra crowns are cemented onto the teeth and this traditional bridge is one of the most popular dental bridges out there.
If you have two healthy and natural teeth right on either side of your gap, this is perfect for you. Plus, it is very easy for our team of dentists to install.
Type Two is the Cantilever
This dental bridge is exactly like the traditional bridge, but it only uses one tooth to hold up the pontic tooth. This type of bridge is the best if you only have one natural tooth next to the gap, and doubles your options depending on your mouth health. If you have a lot of tooth decay and not a lot of natural teeth around your gap, then you can use the Cantilever bridge to add a new tooth to your gap.
Type Three is the Maryland
The Maryland uses two natural teeth on each side of the gap, but instead of cementing crowns to your adjacent teeth, they instead use a metal or porcelain instead. The framework is then bonded to the back of your teeth and is hidden from view. If you have two natural teeth on the side of the gap on both sides, and you also do not want to fiddle with crowns, then this is the procedure that you need.
Type 4 is Implant Supported Dental Bridge
Finally, this bridge uses dental implants to support your teeth, and the implant is surgically placed into your mouth. They hold the bridge in place and can be great if you are missing a ton of teeth. Using implants is one of the strongest systems, but it does require two surgeries to place the implants and the bridge.
Picking the Right Bridge for You
If you need help picking the right bridge, our team of Hometown Dental dentists can help you out. We are available to discuss the pros and cons of a specific set of bridges and can point you in the right direction. Please call us at 971-287-3477 today!
FAQs
What is a dental bridge and how does it work?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. At Hometown Dental, our dental team customizes each bridge to restore chewing function, speech, and appearance.
Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Patients who are missing one or more teeth and have healthy surrounding teeth or implants may be good candidates for a dental bridge. Our dentists will evaluate your oral health and determine whether a bridge is the most appropriate tooth replacement option for your needs.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a dental bridge can last many years. The lifespan depends on factors such as oral care habits, the health of supporting teeth, and routine professional maintenance at Hometown Dental.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the dental bridge process. Local anesthesia is used when preparing the supporting teeth, and any mild sensitivity afterward typically resolves quickly. Our dental team ensures the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
How do I care for a dental bridge?
Caring for a dental bridge involves daily brushing, flossing under the bridge using special tools, and attending routine dental checkups. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps protect the supporting teeth and ensures the long-term success of the restoration. |
