Many people lack confidence in smiling due to missing teeth or gaps in your set of pearls. If you’re looking for the perfect dental treatment that can help improve the appearance of your teeth, opting for a dental bridge may be right up your alley. 

What are Dental Bridges? 

Just as the moniker suggests, dental bridges are designed to bridge the gap in your smile by fitting tailor-made crowds on the abutment on either side of your missing teeth. It has been an integral part of modern dentistry over the last century.

Dental bridges gained popularity among patients as you can personalize these false teeth by opting for gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials when anchoring your missing teeth. With that in mind, there are three types of dental bridges to consider: 

  • Traditional Bridge – made from ceramic or metal-infused porcelain materials, this is the most common type of bridge wherein a crown is anchored on both sides of the missing tooth. 
  • Cantilever Bridge – this is specifically designed to replace one tooth, which is often used at the back of the mouth. It’s a rare type as it only caters to missing tooths that has an adjacent tooth, making it relatively expensive to boot. 
  • Resin-bonded Bridge – also called Maryland bonded bridges, this uses metal-fused porcelain, ceramic, or plastic teeth set in a porcelain framework. This framework is attached to existing teeth to enhance its support. 

Of course, each type provides its distinct advantages depending on the severity of your condition and where the bridge will be placed in your mouth. 

What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges? 

Dental bridges are a cost-effective and highly accessible procedure that can temporarily provide a solution for jawbone fractures and missing teeth. It can restore both the cosmetic appeal and health of your mouth, along with other benefits such as the following: 

  • Dental bridges can restore your teeth’s physical appearance. Some opt for gold bridges to add a unique style to your smile. 
  • Dental bridges restore the ability to speak and chew properly.
  • It can help maintain the normal shape of your face. 
  • It can help evenly distribute your bite to prevent jaw problems
  • It can prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of their original position

When to Choose Dental Bridges Over Dental Implants 

Dental bridges are the more budget-friendly and more comfortable method for filling gaps between missing teeth compared to dental implants. The latter offers a more permanent solution as it surgically screws artificial teeth into the jawbone.

A metal framework is rooted deep in place, so for patients who want a quicker yet temporary solution, dental bridges are the better option as the procedure can be done in two to three dental visits. Dental bridges can last between five to ten years, depending on the material you choose. 

Dental bridges can also be used to fix significant jawbone damage briefly, but keep in mind that you need to have at least a few sets of strong, supporting teeth to keep the bridges in place.  

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Edmonton, get in touch with us today for a free consultation.

Posted in Dental News & Advice