Types of Denture Bridges

Dentures and bridges offer individuals the chance to have beautiful, bright smiles even though their natural teeth have been damaged or rendered unhealthy. Different methods provide patients with different circumstances to take full advantage of this opportunity. Individuals will want to consult their dentist to discuss the best option for them. Dentures vary from bridges in that dentures can be removed and bridges are permanent.

Traditional Fixed Bridges

• The traditional fixed bridge is the most common type given to patients. A base for where the bridge will be placed needs to be formed from two crowns, which are attached to two natural teeth on either side of where the bridge will be placed, along with a false tooth that is anchored in the mouth. A crown is a mold of a tooth that is cemented over another tooth that has been filed down. To make room for the bridge and crowns, the patient's teeth within the bridge area are filed down. Once the bridge has been put into place, it cannot be removed. Existing fillings work well for patients because the dentist is able to use them for the foundation of crowns. Traditional fixed bridges are made of ceramic and porcelain.

Maryland Bonded Bridges

• Bonded bridges are also known as resin bonded bridges and are not as expensive as traditional bridges. However, they are not available to patients whose teeth are unhealthy. This bridge is great for individuals who are missing front teeth. Also, there is less work on the surrounding teeth. The surrounding natural tooth is bonded to the false tooth with metal bands protruding from either side of the tooth and resin.

Cantilever Bridges

• Both cantilever and bonded bridges are primarily used on the front teeth and in areas where there is not much pressure from eating. Cantilever bridges are designed so that the false tooth can be attached to only one natural surrounding tooth, if there is only one natural tooth available.