Did you know that 70 percent of American adults between 35 and 44 years have lost at least one tooth to various causes?

A dental bridge is a permanent type of restoration that replaces missing teeth, whether just one or more. Dental bridges are designed to look and function like regular teeth and are custom-made for each patient. The problem being fixed will determine the type of dental bridge you receive.

In some severe cases, a patient may require full mouth rehabilitation. This occurs when the patient needs multiple bridges in the mouth. If the patient has too many missing teeth, the orthodontist may recommend getting dentures instead.
 

What Is the Appearance of a Dental Bridge?

Most commonly, dental bridges are created with porcelain. They usually connect to a metal structure that offers support. Dentists can build other bridges using ceramic materials. These comprise porcelain and other materials.

The supporting teeth in a dental bridge are called abutment teeth. Before placing a dental bridge, the dentist will usually shave off a bit of the abutment teeth. The amount of tooth shaved off is usually the same for both back and front teeth.

When Is a Dental Bridge Needed?

Dentists will recommend bridges instead of implants if you already have crowns on the abutment teeth. A dentist may recommend dental bridges if there are other reasons you cannot get an implant. A dentist can recommend a dental bridge if you have lost teeth due to:

• Extraction

• Periodontal disease

• Old age

• Decay

• Trauma or injury

• Medication

Types of Dental Bridges

 Conventional Bridges

Conventional bridges are arguably the most prevalent type of dental bridge. They comprise porcelain or ceramic connected to metal. They involve one fake tooth held on two sides by dental crowns. The artificial tooth is called a pontic. 

The dentist will shave off the two teeth beside the missing tooth to place this bridge. It will allow for the dental crowns to fit correctly. Usually, dental bridges restore the back teeth.

With proper care, conventional bridges can last a long time since they are durable and robust compared to other solutions.
 

Cantilever Bridges

Like conventional bridges, manufacturers make the cantilever bridges by fusing porcelain and metal. One natural tooth must remain close to the missing tooth for support. The dentist places an artificial tooth on each side of the unhealthy tooth in a cantilever bridge. 

Cantilever bridges are ideal for front teeth only because molars require too much strength.
 

Maryland Bridges

These bridges are not as invasive as the other bridge types. Also going by the name adhesive bridges, they comprise a false tooth with metalwork to support it. The artificial tooth is created from porcelain with the same color as regular teeth. 

The metal framework works like wings that bond to the adjacent teeth. These wings provide stability for the fake tooth. Nowadays, the wings are made of porcelain instead of metal.
 

Implant-supported Bridges

The implant-supported bridges require dental implants that support the bridge. Usually, these bridges are for the molars and premolars at the back of the mouth. They work best if you have three molars missing.

For more on whether dental bridges are permanent, call Le Smile Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry at 703-534-6226 to reach our office in Falls Church, Virginia.