Any patient who is missing teeth and interested in finding out if dental bridges are a viable solution should come to see us at Bonnie & Simone. Given your current situation, we can perform a quick examination and determine the best course of action.
A dental bridge can replace either a single tooth or multiple teeth. Most of the time, they are made from porcelain because they look more natural in the patient's mouth, blending in better with the remaining teeth. Bridges are secured in the patient's mouth by attaching them to healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing teeth.
Bridges are often removable, allowing the patient to better care for the appliance and their oral health. In other cases, bridges can be made permanent. Some patients enjoy not having to take their bridges in and out to clean them appropriately. They would rather brush and floss them daily as a permanent part of their oral cavity like the rest of their teeth.
There are four different kinds of bridges, each chosen for various reasons. The only way to determine which bridge best suits you is by getting an evaluation from Dr. Simone.
A traditional bridge is the most used and is held in place by an abutment secured to the healthy teeth on either side of the vacant space.
Unlike traditional bridges, the cantilever bridge uses just a single tooth to hold its place, not two. This can be helpful for patients with limited healthy teeth remaining in the oral cavity.
The Maryland bridge is modeled after the traditional bridge. It uses two teeth on either side of the vacated space as well. The only difference is instead of being held in place by crowns, the bridge is held in place by a metal framework that fuses to the abutment teeth.
The most stable of all dental bridges, the dental implant-supported bridge does not use teeth on either side of the space. Rather, it utilizes dental implants embedded into the patient's jawbone.
While this is the most stable of all bridges, it is also the most expensive and invasive dental bridge type. It also takes multiple appointments to complete the placement process, as the implants are placed in stages.
We encourage all patients interested in bridges to visit our office for an evaluation. We can also be reached by calling (757) 540-1028. Call Bonnie & Simone today to set up your appointment!
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