- Home
- About
- Services
- Anesthetic Free Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Same Day Crowns
- Comprehensive Cleanings/Exams
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Mercury Free Fillings
- Pain Free Laser Dentistry
- Veneers
- Removable & Fixed Bridgework
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Root Canal Therapy
- Dental Fluoride & Dental Sealants
- Implant Restoration
- Extractions
- Preventative & Periodontal Care
- Invisalign
- Removable Prosthodontics
- Patient Resources
- COVID-19
- New Patient Forms
- Rate our Office
- Contact
Dental bridges are designed for bridging gaps between healthy teeth where one or more teeth may have decayed or are missing. Getting dental bridges in Illinois requires at least two different dental visits and a patient has to have good oral health and strong bone support in the jaw. In essence, individuals with poor oral health might not be the right candidates because wearing dental bridges requires the removal of particular protective tooth enamel. Here are three types of dental bridges that your dentist may recommend.
Traditional dental bridges
These are the most popular designs of dental bridges. They consist of fake teeth that are held in place by abutments or dental crowns. The dental crowns have to be cemented to the adjacent healthy teeth before installing the dental bridges. In other words, the dentist will have to prepare the adjacent healthy teeth by removing the enamel permanently. Meaning, you will still have to use the abutments in the future even when you want to change the type of dental bridges.
Maryland Bridges
These are resin-bonded dental bridges that are designed for replacing lost front teeth. A Maryland bridge restoration requires fusing of pontic or fake teeth with metal bands, which are then cemented to the abutment teeth using resin cement. However, they have a higher failure rate compared to traditional dental bridges because they’re slightly weaker.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are recommended for situations where only one side of the missing tooth has natural teeth. An experienced dentist will recommend cantilever dental bridges that are perfect for such a condition. In fact, the only difference between cantilever bridges and traditional bridges is that the former is attached on one side.
How to care for Dental Bridges
All these types require high levels of oral hygiene. According to The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, installing dental bridges using abutment teeth predisposes a patient to tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, food particles can get stuck in the dental bridges. Hence, it is essential to brush your teeth regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, it’s vital to use recommended toothpaste that prevents tartar build-up and gingivitis.
