So, you have lost one or more teeth and now you are looking to restore it with a dental bridge. Chances are, you already visited your Dentist and now trying to figure out the best possible dental bridge option for your teeth. We can understand how confusing it can be for you. Here, we will try to make it simple for you so that you can choose an option that can give your smile the desired beauty and strength.
Broadly, the bridge options are divided into two categories depending on the structure of the bridge and the materials used. Your dentist is the best judge to select the most suited structure of your dental bridge, whereas when it comes to the material of the bridge you will have a considerable say and can choose the material as per your preference and budget.
Types of Dental Bridge as per the Structure:
1 – Traditional Dental Bridge:
In the traditional dental bridge, the support of the adjacent healthy teeth is taken to replace the missing teeth. Pontics are the artificial teeth which replace the missing teeth, and the abutments are the healthy teeth supporting the bridge. The bridge covers the adjacent healthy teeth, and the artificial tooth is suspended in between the abutment teeth, the entire unit is connected to one another.
2 – Maryland Dental Bridge:
The Maryland Dental Bridge is bonded to the back of the adjacent healthy teeth in a wing-like manner. This is different from traditional dental bridges which tend to cover the adjacent teeth entirely. The wing supports the Pontic in the middle. This type of bridge is mostly used for replacing the front teeth as it is not strong enough to withstand the bite forces of the back teeth.
3 – Cantilever Dental Bridge:
The Cantilever Dental Bridge is made by taking support from the healthy teeth present only on one side. The pontic tooth hangs with a one-sided support. This option is mostly chosen when there is strong support present only on one side of the missing teeth. As it only supports the Pontic from one side, the cantilever dental bridge is not as strong as the traditional dental bridge.
4 – Implant-Supported Dental Bridge:
Implant-supported dental bridges are placed in the mouth with the help of dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements of the tooth root which is placed surgically in the bone. The Dental Implants are then covered by artificial crowns over the top which replace the missing tooth.
Types of Dental Bridges as per the Manufacturing Material:
1 – PFM Bridge:
In a PFM bridge, the metal is covered by tooth-coloured porcelain. Though commonly used, these crowns carry a risk of metal exposure due to fracture of porcelain over the years.
2 – Zirconia Bridge:
Zirconia is gaining widespread popularity due to its biocompatibility, strength and tooth-coloured nature. It is a metal-free option that you can definitely choose for yourself for a long-lasting smile.
3 – Ceramic Bridge:
Ceramic bridges are known for their natural looks. Thus, they are preferred for the front teeth. They are not as strong as zirconia, but ceramic bridges are definitely worth it if you are looking to replace the front teeth.
4 – Metal Bridge:
These are traditional options which have been in use for decades. They are not placed that commonly nowadays but if you are looking for metal replacements, you can choose them for the back teeth, because of their strength.
5 – Acrylic Bridges:
Acrylic is a type of plastic bridge which is placed temporarily when your final bridge is being made in the lab. They are not as strong but serve the purpose while you wait for your final bridge to come.
6 – Composite Bridges:
Composite Resin or Fiber-Reinforced Bridges can be used temporarily or for the long term. They are tooth-coloured but are not as strong as traditional dental bridges. They can be used for replacement of the front teeth. Many clinics offer these bridges within a single day because of their ease of fabrication.
What is the Right Option for You?
Your dentist will give you several options from the above. You can choose the dental bridge as per your preference and budget. For the front teeth, we would always recommend you stick to more natural-looking & metal-free options. For the back teeth, zirconia can be one of the viable options as they provide a good combination of strength and natural looks.
Conclusion:
It might be a lot for you to grasp at the start but give it some time and you shall have a better idea of the type of dental bridge you must choose for replacing your teeth. The choice for the type of dental bridge is best made by your dentist as they have a better idea about your bone health and the type of dental bridge that would last long in your mouth. However, you have a lot of say when it comes to the material of the bridge. Having a successful dental bridge placement that serves both the purpose and function is collaborative work between you and your dentist. Still too much? Don’t worry & go ahead confidently, you are just like every other patient. Your dentist is ready to guide you with all the queries you have, every step of the way.