Dental bridges are made to bridge gaps between healthy teeth where one or more teeth may have perished or are not present. Getting dental bridges in Shoal Valley Dental requires a minimum of two dental visits and the patient must have great oral health and sturdy bone support in their jaw. Individuals with bad oral health may not be the right candidates as wearing dental bridges requires the removal of some of the protective tooth enamel. Here are three of the most popular types of dental bridges that your dentist may propose.
Traditional dental bridges
Without question, these are the most popular style of dental bridges. They are made up of false teeth that are held in position by abutments or dental crowns. The dental crowns will need to be fixed to the adjoining healthy teeth prior to installing the dental bridges. In other words, your dentist will have to make ready the near-by healthy teeth by taking away some of the enamel permanently. This means, you will still need to use these abutments in the future even when you choose to change the type of dental bridges.
Maryland Bridges
These type of dental bridges are resin-bonded and are designed for replacing missing front teeth. The Maryland bridge restoration calls for the fusing of pontic or false teeth with metal bands, they are then fixed to the abutment teeth with dental cement. Unfortunately, they do have a higher failure rate when compared to the traditional dental bridges because they are just slightly more fragile.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are usually advised for situations in which just one side of the missing tooth retains natural teeth. An expert dentist will suggest cantilever dental bridges that are ideal for such a situation. The only difference between cantilever bridges and traditional bridges is that the cantilever is attached on one side.
How to care for Dental Bridges
Each of these types of dental bridges need very high levels of oral hygiene. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has stated that installing bridges using abutment teeth can expose a patient to greater risks of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, food particles can get stuck in the bridges. Therefore, it is vital to clean your teeth regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is also very important to use a dentist approved toothpaste that will fend off tartar build-up and prevent gingivitis.
