If you’re trying to figure out if dental bridges are right for you, you’ve come to the right place. When you are dealing with both missing and damaged teeth, dental bridges may be a great way to restore both the function and look of your smile.
Bridges may definitely be appealing, but they also have some cons you should be aware of. Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about dental bridges!
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a type of prosthetic designed to replace and restore multiple teeth at once. The bridge can be attached either to natural teeth or dental implants and fill in the “gap” created by missing teeth between the two anchors.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are 3 main types of dental bridges:
- Traditional bridge - This bridge is attached to two natural teeth and can replace the ones in between. The anchor teeth will be shaved down so the bridge can fit on top, which is why it’s not usually recommended for perfectly healthy teeth.
- Maryland bridge - This bridge involves using a metal structure that is cemented to the back of the teeth and supports the prosthetic. Maryland bridges are used when the two anchor teeth are healthy.
- Implant-supported bridges - Used in cases of severe damage or missing teeth, this prosthetic involves adding dental implants to replace missing tooth roots and then attaching a bridge on top.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
Some of the biggest advantages of dental bridges can include:
- More affordable than implants - Bridges can replace multiple missing teeth at once. Even if you do need implants, with a bridge you can get fewer and still replace all your missing teeth, making it less costly.
- Fast results - For traditional bridges, you can effectively restore your teeth in a matter of weeks. Implants will need around 6 months to heal.
- No need for bone grafting - Bridges can often be used even in cases where the patient is dealing with some degree of jawbone loss.
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges
Some disadvantages of dental bridges can include:
- Bridges don’t support jawbone health - Dental bridges might not apply enough pressure on the jawbone to keep the area stimulated, which over time can lead to more bone loss.
- They don’t last as long - Compared to implants, dental bridges have a shorter lifespan, especially traditional bridges which can wear the two anchor teeth.
- Natural teeth can be weakened - The procedure requires reshaping the natural tooth, which can weaken it and increase the risk of tooth loss over time.
Are Dental Bridges for You?
Our Hudson dentist, Dr. Leah Divito, is here to help you find out if your smile can be restored with dental bridges or other suitable restoration procedures.
Book an appointment by calling (234) 269-5288 or schedule your appointment online to unlock your best options for a healthy and happy smile!
