Dental Bridges
Procedures of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a type of tooth replacement option for those with one or more missing teeth. It is a fixed restoration and is called a bridge since it bridges the gap left behind by the missing tooth.
A dental bridge uses a pontic (the artificial tooth) to replace the missing tooth in the mouth. The pontic is supported from the adjacent natural teeth, known as abutments. The abutments are connected to the pontic via dental crowns that are placed onto the natural teeth. Your dentist will use Dental bridges to replace multiple teeth. The number of abutments increases along with the number of pontics in these cases.
Types of Dental Bridges
Based on their design, four main types of dental bridges exist.
- Traditional bridges consist of pontics (one or more) attached to dental crowns on either side.
- Cantilever bridges are pretty similar to traditional bridges except the abutment is attached to the pontic on just one side.
- Maryland bridges, like traditional bridges, use abutments on both sides of the pontic. However, crowns aren’t placed on the abutment teeth. The pontic is supported by a metal or porcelain framework that is cemented onto the backs of the abutment teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges derive support from an implant framework. A dental bridge is constructed with pontics suspended between implant-supported dental crowns.
Dental Bridge vs Implant
- A dental bridge costs much less than an implant and a single bridge might even be covered by insurance.
- Implants last longer and have a success rate of 98%.
- Implants require surgery, whereas bridges do not.
- The treatment time for a dental bridge is much shorter than an implant. Dental implants are placed over an extended period.
For more information on dental bridges, the procedure, and cost, feel free to call Anoka Dental at (763) 421-4002 or visit our office and meet our team of dentists today.
