What are Dental Bridges? Types, Benefits, and Risks
Dental bridges are dental prostheses used to replace one or more missing teeth. They give you a complete set of teeth, helping you chew with ease and smile confidently. Dental bridges can also improve your speech function and lower your risk of other oral issues.
If you’re considering dental bridges in Beverly, MA, you might wonder what the treatment involves, your options, their benefits, and potential risks. This article discusses the various types of dental bridges and highlights the benefits and risks of getting a dental bridge to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main categories of dental bridges, including:
Traditional dental bridges:
They are the most common types of tooth bridges. The bridge consists of one or more pontics (false teeth) supported by dental crowns anchored on healthy adjacent teeth. The bridge is supported on both sides of the gap, offering good stability and durability.
Cantilever dental bridges:
They are quite similar to traditional bridges. However, a cantilever bridge is supported by a dental crown attached to a healthy tooth on one side of the gap. Since this can cause too much stress on the supporting tooth, it’s only suitable when only one anchor tooth is available. They offer less stability than traditional bridges.
Maryland dental bridges:
Instead of using dental crowns to support the false teeth (pontic), Maryland bridges uses a metal or porcelain framework attached to the back of the adjacent teeth. It’s a more conservative option over traditional and cantilever bridges since it doesn’t require enamel shaving. On the downside, it might be less strong than other types of bridges.
Implant-supported dental bridges:
Instead of using adjacent teeth to support the artificial teeth, this bridge is supported by dental implants fixed into the jawbone. Compared to other bridges, implant-supported bridges offers excellent stability, durability, and better-looking results.
The right dental bridge for your dental needs will depend on factors like your condition, budget, and needs. Before the treatment, our dentist will examine your condition and needs and discuss the different types of dental bridges and their pros and cons, and what to expect during the dental bridge procedure.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
There are numerous advantages of replacing missing teeth with bridges, including:
Improved bite function:
Food can get trapped in the teeth gaps, making it difficult to chew normally, especially when eating tougher foods. Bridges close these gaps, restoring the ability to chew properly and comfortably.
Improved speech function:
Your teeth play a crucial role in speech. Losing one or more front teeth can make it difficult to pronounce certain words properly. Bridges close teeth gaps, allowing you to pronounce and communicate effectively.
Improved smile:
Bridges fill the gaps of your missing teeth, giving you a full set of bright and beautiful teeth.
Improved facial appearance:
Teeth gaps can cause facial muscles to collapse, causing wrinkles, sunken cheeks, lip thinning, and premature aging. Bridges support your facial muscles, giving you a better-looking smile.
Improved confidence:
Bridges give you a complete, beautiful smile, making you feel more confident about yourself.
It prevents teeth from shifting:
If you don’t replace your missing teeth sooner, the adjacent teeth gradually shift towards the gap, causing misalignments. Bridges help close these gaps, helping you maintain the alignment of your teeth and bite.
Improved oral and overall health:
Bridges close missing teeth gaps, improve bite function, and prevent teeth shifting, promoting good oral and overall health.
Risks of Dental Bridges
Like most dental prosthesis, bridges comes with potential risks, including:
- Tooth sensitivity: Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity, especially when getting traditional or cantilever bridges. These procedures require enamel shaving, which can trigger sensitivity.
- Risk of decay: There’s a higher risk of food and bacteria getting trapped under the bridge, leading to decay and other infections. Proper oral hygiene can help keep your bridge in excellent condition and prevent any issues.
- Potential damage to supporting teeth: A bridge can cause too much pressure on the anchor teeth, making them more vulnerable to damage.
- Jawbone deterioration: Except for implant-supported bridges, other bridges don’t stimulate the jawbone, which can affect its health over time.
Tips for Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Below are practical tips on how to care for your dental bridge and maintain oral hygiene and health:
- Brush at least twice daily
- Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily
- Get regular dental check-ups
- Eat healthy foods. Avoid hard, sugary, and acidic food items.
- Use a mouthguard if you have bruxism or when engaging in high-impact activities.
Visit Our Office for Dental Bridges Near You
Are you interested in dental bridges? Or would you like a comparison of dental bridges to other tooth replacement options? Contact and book a appointment with our dentists at Beverly Dental Group today.