Dental Bridge
Irvine, CA
 At Irvine Dentistry, we can close or bridge the gaps in your smile due to missing teeth with dental bridges. A dental bridge, also known as a "pontic," is a false tooth that is held in place by the support teeth (abutments) on both sides of the gap. While bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, we recommend porcelain as it aesthetically blends in with the natural teeth.
There are four main types of dental bridges, namely: implant-supported, Maryland, cantilever, and traditional. We recommend the type based on the requirements of the patient. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental bridges are one of the most effective and safest options available. Also, with years of experience in traditional and Cosmetic Dentistry, we can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.
The Four Types of Dental Bridges We May Recommend
Traditional Bridge
Traditional dental bridges are the most popular kind that consists of one or more false teeth. These dental bridges are retained using dental crowns. This variety is fixed onto the teeth next to the missing tooth. This bridge type can be used when you have natural teeth on either side of the gap created by a missing tooth. They are strong enough even to replace molars.
Implant-Supported Bridge
The implant-supported bridges can be used when there is more than one tooth missing. These bridges are supported by dental implants rather than dental crowns. Typically, one dental implant is positioned over every lost tooth, and this series of dental implants clenches the bridge in place. However, in some cases where placing one implant for every missing tooth isn’t possible, the bridge we create may consist of a bridge positioned between two dental implant-supported crowns.
Maryland Bridge
Maryland bridges are an alternative to traditional dental bridges. They consist of a bridge that is positioned using a porcelain or metal framework. This porcelain or metal framework is cemented onto the backs of the two teeth next to the lost tooth. Since Maryland bridges aren’t held in place by dental crowns, there is no requirement to file the adjacent teeth.
Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever bridges are somewhat similar to traditional bridges; however, the bridge is supported by an abutment on a single side only, instead of on both sides. Therefore, if there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap, a pontic can still be safeguarded. The procedure requires the preparation of an adjacent tooth that involves the removal of its enamel.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
There are numerous advantages to dental bridges that explain their rate of use in our restorative dental work. They are an effective solution for the replacement of lost teeth in the mouth, offering both aesthetic and functional correction.
The bridges we create allow our patients to eat and chew normally as there is no longer a gap in the teeth. Bridges help with the grinding of food, and they also help people to speak without embarrassment.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you have any queries regarding bridges, feel free to call the experienced professionals here at Irvine Dentistry at (949) 656-2933 today! |
