If you have one more missing teeth, chances are your dentist has mentioned a dental bridge as a solution.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge acts as a bridge that fills in the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are connected to crowns on either end and topped with an artificial tooth, or denture.

Dental bridges are meant to be a permanent tooth replacement. This means that the patient does not remove them to eat, drink, or sleep. This also means that the patient must care for the bridge carefully so it will last as long as possible.

The good news there is that patients already know how to care for their dental bridge, because dentists recommend that patients care for their bridges the same way they recommend patients care for their natural teeth – with twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular visits to their family dentist.

There are several different types of dental bridges to discuss with your dentist.

These include:

The traditional bridge

This is the type of dental bridge most commonly used by your family dentist in the Waterloo region. It is made of porcelain and attached to a crown on either end of the gap.

The cantilever bridge

A cantilever bridge differs from a traditional bridge in one major way. Instead of being connected to a crown on either end of the gap, it is only connected on one side. This is why it’s not recommended to use a cantilever bridge at the back of the mouth – there is often too much pressure placed on the bridge. Cantilever bridges are only used when a traditional bridge is impossible because there is only one viable tooth to which it can be adhered.

The Maryland bridge

Like traditional and cantilever bridges, the Maryland bridge is also like a floating denture, but rather than being affixed to a crown on either side, it is attached with metal to natural teeth that sit adjacent to the gap. Maryland bridges can be a good alternative for people who need a bridge but are still growing.

If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to discuss replacement options, call our team at St. Jacobs Dental Care to schedule an appointment today. We’ll assess your situation, explain the various treatment paths available to you, and work with you to find a solution that best meets your needs.