Which Type of Dental Bridge Is Best for Me?

At TLN Family Dental, we understand that every smile is unique. One of the common dental solutions we provide for our patients is a dental bridge designed to replace missing teeth. However, with several types of dental bridges available, it’s essential to find the one best suited for your needs. 

The dental team at TLN Family Dental recommends an appropriate treatment plan based on your unique needs. Keep reading to learn about the different types of dental bridges and the unique benefits of each. 

Traditional dental bridges

The traditional dental bridge is the most common type and consists of one or more fake teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns. The crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap. 

Traditional dental bridges offer a reliable and efficient way to replace a missing tooth or two, but they require the removal of some enamel from the adjacent teeth to fit the crowns.

Cantilever bridges

If you have healthy teeth on one side of the missing tooth or teeth, a cantilever bridge is chosen as it can support the bridge with a single crown cemented to an adjacent tooth on one side, instead of both sides. 

Cantilever bridges provide a solution when you don’t have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap, but they’re not recommended for back teeth because of the amount of pressure back teeth must withstand.

Maryland bonded bridges

Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bonded bridge involves attaching the replacement tooth to one or both adjacent natural teeth using metal or porcelain wings. Unlike traditional bridges that require a crown on the adjacent teeth, the Maryland bridge doesn’t require crowns, which means no removal of enamel.

While Maryland bonded bridges offer the advantage of not removing enamel on adjacent teeth, they may not be as strong or last as long as traditional bridges.

Implant-supported bridges

If you’re missing several teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge is a good option for restoring your smile and tooth functioning. Instead of anchoring the replacement teeth to adjacent teeth, the bridge uses dental implants. Implant-supported bridges are strong and feel more like natural teeth and can help prevent jawbone loss experienced by missing teeth.

Implant-supported bridges require surgery to place the implants and a longer treatment process as the implants require time to heal before the bridge can be placed.

Which dental bridge is right for you?

The best type of dental bridge for you will depend on several factors, including:

• The location and health of your missing tooth or teeth
• The condition and structure of the adjacent teeth
• Your budget and personal preferences

At TLN Family Dental, we customize treatment plans for the individual needs of every patient. Our dedicated dental team will work closely with you to evaluate your unique dental condition, discuss your goals, and recommend a bridge type that aligns best with your needs and preferences.

If you are looking for a fixed option to replace missing teeth, we encourage to you call or schedule a consultation online with our experienced team at TLN Family Dental in either of our Houston or Pearland locations.