What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are common treatments for missing teeth, which as the name suggests, literally bridges gaps that occur when one or more teeth are missing. A dental bridge is made of artificial teeth, called pontics, which are held or anchored in place on both sides of the gap by dental crowns known as abutment teeth. The replacement or artificial teeth can be made out of different materials.

Porcelain, composite-resin, gold, alloy, silver amalgam or a combination of two or more such materials can be used. A dental bridge can be attached using either the natural teeth of the patient or implants as support. At Devon Neighbourhood Dental, Dr. Laheed Qudussi will recommend which is the best option for you depending on the condition of your teeth.

Who is a good candidate

for a dental bridge?

You may be a good candidate for dental bridges if:

  • you need to restore a tooth that is fractured
  • you need to replace a filling but the remaining tooth is not enough
  • you need to protect a tooth that may be in danger of fracturing
  • you need to attach dental bridges
  • you need to cover a tooth after root canal treatment
  • you need to cover a discoloured or misshapen tooth

Different types of dental bridges

There are four different types of dental bridges available. After your consultation with Dr. Laheed Qudussi, he will let you know which type is most suitable for you.

Traditional dental bridges: For traditional dental bridges, Dr. Laheed Qudussi will create dental crowns on both sides of the gap or missing teeth, and a pontic or artificial tooth will be placed in between to bridge the gap. They are the most common among dental patients and they are usually made from ceramics or porcelain fused to metal.

Cantilever dental bridges: Cantilever dental bridges are used when the artificial tooth/teeth are supported by dental crowns only on one side, rather than both sides. This means that the patient has adjacent teeth only on one side of the gap. Usually, cantilever dental bridges are not used for molar teeth as it can damage them with excessive force.

Maryland bonded bridges: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, Maryland bonded dental bridges are usually made of porcelain fused to metal, just pure porcelain or pure metal framework. This framework is then bonded using resin to the backs of the two adjacent teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. Since these do not rely on crowns for placement, the teeth next to the gap do not require filing.

Implant-supported bridges: These are the kinds of dental bridges which are supported and held in place using dental implants. Dr. Laheeb recommends using it if you have more than a single tooth missing. For each missing tooth, the dentists will place implants, and these dental implants together will support the bridge.

Benefits of dental bridges

  • Dental bridges help in smile restoration
  • Help to speak and chew properly
  • Hold remaining, natural teeth together in place so they won’t drift out of their positions

If you are suffering from missing teeth and would like to learn more about your treatment options, contact us and one of our office staff will get back to you shortly.