An Overview of Dental Bridges

A bridge is a custom-fabricated dental restoration that consists of pontic or false teeth supported by adjacent natural teeth. Dental bridges seal, close or bridge the gaps created by missing teeth, hence their name.

If you’ve recently lost some of your teeth, you should consider booking your dental bridge treatment procedure as soon as possible. Replacing your teeth soon after tooth loss lowers your risk of developing long-term complications.

Some long-term issues associated with tooth loss include bone atrophy or bone loss, facial collapse, reduced chewing ability, speech problems, and low self-confidence.

If you’re interested in dental bridges in Great Neck, NY, please contact Great Neck Dental Associates to speak to our dentists near you.

Types of Dental Bridges

If you’ve recently lost some of your teeth, you can choose from four types of bridges: conventional bridges, Maryland bridges, cantilever bridges, and implant-supported bridges.

Conventional Bridges

A traditional bridge consists of a pontic tooth supported by crowns attached to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These bridges are the most common type of bridge and require you to have at least one healthy natural tooth on either side of the gap. These teeth are reshaped to make room for dental crowns.

Maryland-Bonded Bridges

Also known as Maryland bridges or resin-bonded bridges, these bridges utilize porcelain or metal wings for support. Maryland bridges are mainly preferred for front teeth replacement.

Cantilever Bridges

A cantilever bridge utilizes a single tooth for support. Your dentist may prefer a cantilever bridge if:

• You have teeth on one side of the gap created by the missing tooth.
• You have a gap next to a tooth with an existing restoration.
• One side of the gap is flanked by a front tooth.
• You’re missing a back tooth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

As their name suggests, implant-supported bridges derive their stability from artificial tooth roots or implants. You may be a fitting candidate for implant-supported bridges if you’re missing some teeth and don’t have natural teeth to support dental bridges. Implant-retained bridges are advantageous in that they don’t involve the reshaping of natural tooth enamel.

Dental Bridge Treatment Procedure

The details of every dental bridge treatment procedure may vary depending on the patient’s needs and the preferred workflow of the dental bridges practice. However, the general steps involved in the creation of dental bridges are as follows:

• • The dentist evaluates you to check if dental bridges dentistry is suitable for you. The dentist visually inspects your teeth and obtains dental x-rays and scans to gather in-depth insights.
  • If you’re a good candidate for dental bridges, the dentist prepares your adjacent teeth to act as abutment teeth for the dental bridges.
  • To prepare your abutment teeth, the dentist administers anesthesia to numb the teeth and surrounding areas.
  • The dentist then trims off some enamel from the abutment teeth to make room for the dental crowns.
  • Your dentist obtains your dental impressions and shares these with the dental lab.
  • On your subsequent visit, the dentist inspects the bridges for fit and then cements them to the abutment teeth.

If you require implant-supported bridges, you should expect additional steps such as dental implant surgery in your dental bridge treatment procedure.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges have their advantages and downsides.

Some key advantages of dental bridges include:

• Dental bridges restore your speech and chewing ability.
• Bridges maintain normal facial structure and prevent facial collapse.
• A dental bridge prevents adjacent teeth from moving into the gap left by a missing tooth.
• Dental bridges restore your smile’s aesthetics and, consequently, your self-confidence.

Dental bridges problems include:

• Dental bridges require trimming or reshaping of healthy teeth.
• Ill-fitting crowns can encourage bacteria and plaque to get inside the abutment teeth, which causes decay.
• Weak abutment teeth can compromise the lifespan of the dental bridge.

Your dentist provides you with sufficient information regarding the benefits and downsides of each restoration so you can make an informed decision. When a well-experienced dentist performs tooth restoration, you don’t have to worry about dental bridges problems.

Call Us Now

Are you looking for a reputable dental bridges practice that offers exceptional and patient-tailored dental bridges dentistry near you? Call Great Neck Dental Associates right away to schedule an appointment with our dentists in Great Neck, NY.