Types of Dental Bridge

Dental bridge is one of the most common types of prosthodontic treatment that gives long-lasting solution for a missing tooth. Aside from being made of different dental materials like porcelain, acrylic, metal and zirconia, dental bridges also come into different types, depending on the number of missing teeth to be replaced and the status of the patient case.
Before proceeding with the dental bridge, prosthodontists perform several examinations to identify the type of dental bridge that you will need.

Here are types of dental bridge and its considerations:

1. Traditional Fixed Bridge

Traditional fixed bridges are the most common type of dental bridge that has been used for a long time by many dental professionals. It is the type of bridge where dental crowns are placed on teeth that is beside the gap left by the missing tooth. Before having this bridge, dentists check the supporting teeth to be crowned if they are healthy or capable of holding the bridge.

2. Cantilever Bridge

Cantilever bridges are being done on a same procedure of a traditional fixed bridge but is considered when there is only one side to support the bridge. Location of the bridge or the gaps to be filled are the major consideration before having this type of bridge as cantilever bridge doesn’t have the same strength of a traditional fixed bridge.

3. Maryland Dental Bridge

Unlike the traditional and cantilever bridges, Maryland dental bridge doesn’t need a crown to support the pontic or the bridge. It is a procedure where a “wing” is being attached to back of the teeth beside the gap or missing tooth. This wing is commonly made of metal and comes with the pontic. Maryland is done on single missing frontal tooth only as this type of dental bridge doesn’t have the same strength of the fixed bridges.

4. Implant Supported Bridge

Implant supported bridge is considered as the strongest and most durable type of bridge. This treatment became the bridge of choice of most people as it doesn’t need any crown or damage on the teeth beside the gaps. Dental implants are the ones to support the bridge or pontic making this bridge functions as your natural teeth. Bone condition on the gaps or missing tooth are the main consideration of this procedure as having an implant requires healthy bone condition.

In summary, all of dental bridge has it owns advantage but all becomes effective depending on patient`s condition and situation. Dental bridge can also be as effective as your natural teeth by choosing the right kind of bridge that suits you. As dental bridge is a major prosthodontic treatment, having seen by a prosthodontist near you in Abu Dhabi is recommended to know your exact condition and determine the best bridge option you can have.