A dental bridge is often recommended for patients with one, two, or three missing teeth in a row or when a patient has damaged teeth that cannot be restored. A dental bridge has several advantages and disadvantages when compared to other restorative options like dentures and dental implants. Before we discuss those, let’s talk about the different types of dental bridges and how they work.
Types of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge bridges the gap between teeth by using crowns or wings to hold the pontics in place. There are three types of dental bridges:
- Traditional dental bridge: The most common bridge used, a traditional bridge is made up of two dental crowns and up to three pontics. The dental crowns are anchored to two healthy teeth on either side of the gap where the pontics are suspended.
- Cantilever bridge: This option consists of only one dental crown and up to three pontics. A cantilever bridge is necessary when a neighboring tooth already has a crown, the patient only has one tooth next to the missing tooth, or when it is most aesthetically beneficial.
- Implant-supported bridge: Rather than using healthy teeth to support the bridge, dental implants anchor it in place. This is the most durable and long-lasting dental bridge option.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
Here are the advantages of choosing a dental bridge over a denture or dental implants:
- A dental bridge doesn’t require surgery. Unless you have an implant-supported bridge placed, you won’t need surgery to achieve a restored smile. Traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges are quick and simple outpatient procedures that can be completed in one visit and don’t require a long period of healing.
- Bridges are more affordable than implants. Budget is something most people consider when it comes to dental restorations. Dental bridges are significantly less costly because they don’t require surgery or as much precision as dental implants.
- A dental bridge is more secure than dentures. Patients with dentures often complain about their denture moving around or falling out while eating or talking. Dental bridges are secured to other teeth or implants, not the gums.
- Dental bridges look and feel more realistic than dentures. Again, dentures often move about in the mouth which is uncomfortable to the patient but also noticeable to those around them. Dental bridges look and feel more like natural teeth, so hardly anyone will know they aren’t real!
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges
Of course, no dental restoration is perfect. If you’re thinking about getting a dental bridge, consider these disadvantages:
- Traditional and cantilever bridges require alteration to healthy teeth. During placement, dentists must remove a small amount of enamel from the healthy neighboring teeth for the dental crowns to fit properly. Patients may have problems with these teeth in the future.
- Bridges don’t address bone loss. When a person has one or more missing teeth, the jawbone in those areas begins to deteriorate, causing facial sagging, tooth movement, and further tooth loss. Replacing the tooth root with a dental implant is the only way to stop bone resorption and grow that bone tissue back. Because bridges sit above the gum line, the jawbone will continue to deteriorate.
- Bridges aren’t as long-lasting as implants. Dental implants are expected to last more than 25 years; bridges have a lifespan of about 15 years at the most.
Find the Right Restoration for Your Smile
In an ideal world, no one would ever need a dental restoration—they would simply never lose their natural teeth! Unfortunately, that isn’t the world we live in.
Thankfully, Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard offers several dental restorations, including dental bridges, to help patients regain optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. Dr. Glud will work with you to determine which dental restoration best suits your oral health, budget, and aesthetic needs.
Contact our office today at (630) 629-5700 to schedule your initial consultation.
