A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to fill the gap left by missing teeth. It literally “bridges” the space between two teeth. The bridge is typically made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap—these anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth—and a false tooth or teeth in between. The false teeth, known as pontics, can be made from a variety of materials including porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often preferred for its natural appearance, blending in seamlessly with your existing teeth.
At Shashikal Clinic, we offer several types of dental bridges, each designed to meet different dental needs:
Traditional Bridges: This is the most common type of bridge, consisting of one or more false teeth held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto the abutment teeth. Traditional bridges are strong and durable, making them ideal for replacing molars.
Cantilever Bridges: Used when there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the missing tooth gap. This type of bridge is less common and is usually recommended for areas of the mouth that experience less pressure from chewing.
Maryland Bonded Bridges: These bridges use a metal or porcelain framework to bond the false tooth to the back of the adjacent teeth, requiring less alteration of the surrounding teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges: For patients with several missing teeth, implant-supported bridges are an excellent option. This type of bridge is anchored by dental implants instead of natural teeth, offering a stable and long-lasting solution.
Dental bridges offer numerous benefits, including: