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When some of your teeth are missing, you can either get dentures or opt for a dental bridge. If it matters to you to have the perfect smile without any gaps, you can get full dentures. But some people do not want to bother getting dentures fitted because they are only missing one tooth or two, particularly molars, which do not show when they smile.

What is a dental bridge?

According to a private dentist in Cheltenham, which you can find by visiting www.regencyhousedentalpractice.co.uk when you want a missing tooth replaced, one option is to use a dental bridge. It is a permanent appliance that replaces your missing tooth or a few teeth. Several materials make up the dental bridge so that it can cover the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth.

You can use a dental bridge instead of a partial denture. It functions as an aesthetic and practical dental appliance that helps you to speak, and eat better. It can also restore the appearance of your teeth. You can choose the materials for the dental bridge. You can have it in ceramic, porcelain, alloys, or gold. For front teeth replacement, the most recommended material is porcelain, because it can match the natural colour of your teeth.

Different types of dental bridges

The usual method to use a dental bridge is to use the nearest teeth as anchors for the appliance. Several types are available.

1. Conventional fixed bridge. This is the most common type. It is a durable and strong way to replace a tooth or two adjacent teeth. It typically has a crown for the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth and one artificial tooth or pontic in the centre. The crowns are hollow, so they can fit over the good teeth to secure the dental bridge.
2. Front teeth bridge. When the missing tooth or teeth are in front, the dentist will create two crowns on each side of the missing teeth for additional support because the biting pressure on the front teeth is great.
3. Fixed-movable tooth bridge. Some dentists will create a traditional bridge that is fixed-movable. It is still anchored using adjacent teeth, but the joins are not too rigid. It allows for a slight vertical movement, so there is less pressure on the supporting teeth.
4. Cantilever bridge. This type of dental bridge only needs one crown over the adjacent tooth when there are no other teeth near the missing one to be used as support. It is not as strong compared to a bridge with two healthy teeth as support.
5. Bonded bridge. The bonded bridge also called a Maryland bridge, is used to replace one missing tooth. The dentist may fit a resin-bonded bridge, which has a porcelain or metal wing on each side that is bonded to the adjacent tooth’s inner edge.

Now you know the different types of dental bridges. So when you’re missing a tooth, do not despair. Visit your dentist and enquire if you can be fitted with a dental bridge.