Missing teeth can result in a space left behind in the smile. Not only will this affect the appearance of the smile, it can impact functionality. Patients will have difficulty speaking properly and eating their food efficiently. Additionally, changes can happen to the jaw. Dr. Christopher Naranjo is a dentist in Austin, TX who can discuss the benefits of dental bridges and teach patients about the various types of dental bridges that can be placed into the smile for repair.

Types of dental bridges

There are several different types of dental bridges that can be used. Each one has its own benefits, ensuring that no matter what situation a patient is in, they may still be a viable candidate for this treatment. Below are the various means in which our dental team can restore the smile using dental bridges:

• Traditional dental bridge – first is the most popular bridge solution for missing teeth, typically referred to as the traditional dental bridge. Traditional bridges are made of dental crowns on each end of the restoration, with one or more pontics, or replacement teeth, used to replace the actual missing teeth. This creates a single restoration that uses the adjacent teeth as a foundation for placement. The dentist will have the dental bridge custom-made to match the patient’s existing teeth for seamless integration and will bond it in place. With proper care, patients can keep their traditional dental bridges for many years. The primary downfall of using traditional bridges is that the adjacent teeth need to be prepared for placement of the crowns by removing a portion of the natural tooth enamel. This cannot be repaired later, so patients will always have to have a restoration over these teeth to protect them.
• Cantilever dental bridge – another option for replacing teeth missing from the smile is the cantilever bridge. While like a traditional bridge, this type of bridge requires just one tooth on the side, not two.
• Maryland dental bridge – the more conservative alternative to a traditional bridge is the Maryland bridge. This bridge uses a pontic that is placed with a special framework made from porcelain or metal. It is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, eliminating the need to file down the natural teeth around the gap. This restoration is perfect for addressing missing teeth near the front of the mouth and not so much the back, as it cannot withstand stronger chewing forces such as those handled by the molars in the rear of the mouth.
• Implant-supported dental bridge – in cases when there is not a tooth or two teeth around the gap, patients may want to consider the advantages of using an implant-supported bridge. These bridges use dental implants which are placed into the bone of the jaw to act as the anchor for keeping the bridge in place. This type of bridge can be used with one or two dental implants, ensuring patients have an option when there are not enough surrounding teeth to support the restoration.

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Which type of bridge is right for me?

There are many options to choose from when patients are seeking dental bridges, but it is best to consult with Dr. Naranjo to discuss which one is best suited for your specific situation. We know that there is no “one size fits all” solution to tooth loss and encourage patients to consider alternative treatment options if they are not a good candidate for a dental bridge.

What are alternative treatments to dental bridges?

Missing teeth may be replaced in other ways. Some patients choose a partial denture, which has a metal framework and artificial tooth that snaps into place in the dental arch to replace a tooth. Others may select a stand-alone dental implant to replace a single tooth in a permanent way.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Naranjo of Austin, TX today

We encourage patients to book an appointment with our team of professionals at Greenbelt Dental Health to learn more about the benefits of placing dental bridges to restore the smile. The practice is conveniently located in Suite 402 at 1301 West 25th Street and can be reached at (512) 472-3565.