Do you have missing teeth and would like a dental bridge to replace them? A few options for bridges are available. To help you, we will briefly go over their differences.
First, we will explain some terms you should know. There are pontics, which are the artificial teeth for replacing the missing ones. There are abutments, which are your natural teeth that sit adjacent to the spots the missing teeth used to be, and they often help with holding the bridge.
Traditional:
- Two abutment teeth are reduced in size by removal of enamel. This creates room for the bridge.
- Construction of the bridge involves two crowns, which are caps that will sit on the abutments while performing actions of regular teeth.
- Pontics are connected and sandwiched between the crowns.
- Bridge is placed with the crowns clinging to the abutments and with the pontics settled over the gap.
- Excellent for replacing missing molars and remaining in place
Cantilever:
- Very similar to traditional bridges.
- Only difference is one abutment is used, because the second either does not exist or otherwise cannot be used.
- Excellent for areas where only one abutment will work.
Maryland:
- No enamel is removed off the abutments.
- Pontic is held by two frameworks that link to both abutments, which are fastened with a resin cement.
- Requires significantly less drastic changes to teeth, but not quite as strong as other types.
- Excellent for replacing the front teeth.
- Also excellent for teeth that reside in weaker bite force areas, where risk of falling out is low.
Implant-supported:
- Goes without frameworks or abutments.
- Implants are inserted over the gaps to carry the pontics
- Excellent option if quite a few teeth are missing.
If these options sound good to you, or you would us to look at another issue, come to White Pearl Dentistry here in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our dentist, Dr. Nadia Hamouda, is pleased and ready to serve your needs. Call us at 734-222-0055 to alert us.