There’s something about a great smile. We can’t help but smile back when we see one.
As we age, we are more likely to lose one or more teeth due to natural degeneration of the bone structure. Also, if we play high-contact sports without wearing a mouth guard, we can lose one or more teeth.
It is estimated that 60% of Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth between the ages of 35 and 44, and that more than 25% of adults will lose all of their permanent teeth from age 75 and later. One wonderful solution to repairing one or more missing teeth is a dental bridge.
When to Get a Dental Bridge
This procedure does not involve dental surgery, which makes it very popular among people who want to fill in (“bridge”) the big gap in their teeth without a painful surgical procedure. It is also an excellent option for those who have one or more missing teeth but are not good candidates for implants and crowns.
A dental bridge is a restorative dentistry procedure that can last for years. Essentially, the dentist will fasten a tooth-like placeholder (called a “pontic”) where one or more teeth are missing, and it looks and acts like a regular tooth. A bridge is constructed of different materials, which can include porcelain-fused materials or other medical-grade prosthetic tooth materials.
Types of Tooth Bridges
The following are the four main types of dental bridges:
Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges are ideal for when the patient has more than one tooth missing between already-placed tooth implants. The bridge is attached to one or more implants rather than being attached to natural teeth.
Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever bridges are supported by being attached to one tooth (an abutment on one side) rather than both sides. This is recommended when the dentist believes that it would be better to fill the end-gap with a pontic than to allow the missing tooth to go unfilled. However, because it is located at the end of a row of teeth, this type of bridge tends to be vulnerable to cracking and breaking.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge comprises one or more prosthetic teeth that are held in place with the use of dental crowns. These dental crowns are cemented onto the tops of the adjacent teeth, thereby providing support for the pontic.
Maryland Bridge
Maryland bridges are a conservative alternative to traditional dental bridges. It consists of one or more prosthetic teeth being held in place in back, over the gap, by a porcelain or metal framework. This framework backing is bonded onto the backs of the two teeth which are adjacent to the missing tooth, thereby providing support.
Restorative and Cosmetic Dentist in Las Vegas
If you are considering getting one or more dental bridges, talk to your dentist about what is the best way to close the gaps in your smile. With a dental bridge, you can finally have the confidence to show your pearly whites and smile wide.
Here at Dedicated Dental, we are committed to helping you achieve healthy teeth and gums in order to improve not just your smile, but also your oral health and your overall health. As Nevada’s premiere cosmetic and family dentistry practice, Dedicated Dental can provide you with exceptional dental care and a gorgeous smile.
To schedule a consultation, contact us today by calling us at (702) 566-5509 or fill out our Request an Appointment form online now. We look forward to helping you achieve the healthy set of teeth you’ve always wanted!
