Traditional or Conventional Bridges

1. Traditional or Conventional Bridges The most common type of dental bridge consists of a false tooth or pontic fused between two crowns or caps. Your dentist will grind down and cap the adjacent teeth on either side of your gap, providing anchors for the replacement tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge, as it cannot be removed without a dentist’s intervention. Pros: As a dentist at Gentle Dental explains, traditional bridges are strong, durable, and mimic natural teeth. The adjacent teeth provide stability. No removal is necessary for cleaning. Cons: Healthy adjacent teeth must be ground down for crowns or caps. Higher associated costs. It is not suitable if adjacent teeth have large fillings or little healthy tooth structure. Cantilever Bridges Similar to conventional bridges, cantilever bridges feature false teeth fused between two anchored crowns. However, one of the anchor crowns is on the adjacent tooth next to the gap, while the other anchor gets support from a tooth beyond that. The effect is a bridge that appears to hover or cantilever on one end. Pros: Requires less healthy tooth structure removal on one side. It can work well for back molars with structure loss. Cons: Higher risk of failure or loosening. Not suitable for replacement of front visible teeth. Maryland or Resin-bonded Bridges Maryland bridges consist of false teeth bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, providing an anchor without grinding or capping. Metal or porcelain wings provide structure and are bonded with adhesive resins or composite materials for stability.

2. Pros:Conserves healthy tooth structure as adjacent teeth don’t require grinding. Conservative option for tooth gaps. Lower cost than conventional bridges. Easily repaired if bonding fails. Cons: More prone to failure with bonding issues over time. Not as strong for replacement of back, chewing teeth. Aesthetics and fit need to be perfect. Implant Supported Bridges Dental implants provide an alternative, stronger form of bridge anchoring that doesn’t rely on adjacent natural teeth. The implants fuse to the jawbone over 3-6 months, acting as artificial tooth roots. They provide sturdy supports for attaching false pontic teeth in larger spaces. Pros: Does not damage healthy adjacent teeth. Very stable with a good long-term prognosis. Functions like natural teeth. Cons: Existing bone must be sufficient to support implants. Higher upfront costs with longer treatment timeframe. Temporary Bridges Interim or temporary bridges offer a shorter-term solution while pursuing more permanent options. Made from acrylic or plastic-like materials, they can temporarily fill a gap for several weeks to months while implants integrate or custom bridges are constructed. Pros: Quickly fills a gap in the short term for improved aesthetics. It can be easily removed for cleaning access. Lower upfront cost measure. Cons: Not meant for long-term wear. Less stable and higher risk of irritation. It is not as functional for chewing or biting. By understanding the various pros and cons of common dental bridge types, you can have a more informed discussion with your dentist. The best solution will depend on multiple factors,

3. including the location of the gap, specific needs, and limitations, as well as cost considerations. Discussing both temporary and permanent bridge options is wise to determine the ideal treatment plan. With an array of possibilities, there are many excellent tooth replacement solutions to explore.