Lose A Tooth? Three Bridge Options Your Dentist May Recommend

If your dentist has recommended that you get a bridge to help address a lost tooth or two, it's important to explore all of your options. There are three types of bridges that you can consider, and the right one will be dependent on the health of your remaining teeth and your lifestyle. Here are the three primary dental bridge choices that you can consider to help you decide which one is best for your situation.

Bonded Bridges

A bonded bridge is a dental fixture that adheres to the teeth on either side of the missing one. It uses a combination of dental resin cement and metal bands to secure it in place. This is a common choice for replacing a tooth that doesn't face a lot of demand during the day, like your front teeth. This isn't a good choice for molars, though, because they do a lot of work when you eat.

If you're looking for a cost-effective dental appliance, bonded bridges are a great choice. They are more affordable than some of the other options, but you need to be sure that the teeth in the area are healthy and intact. If the surrounding teeth have cavities that were filled, they won't have the structural stability for the bonded bridge.

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges are dental appliances that anchor a false tooth in the center of two dental crowns. The crowns will fit over the teeth that sit directly adjacent to the missing one. The downside to this type of bridge is that the dentist has to shape the teeth that will receive the crowns so that the appliance fits in place properly. It's constructed as a single appliance, and the crowns are cemented in place to hold the whole bridge securely. This is even a viable option if you have cavity fillings in the teeth that are receiving the crowns, because the crown will cover this damage and keep it safe from bacteria.

Cantilever Bridges

The cantilever bridge is perhaps the most unique of the three. It is designed so that it only attaches to one side of the false tooth. It cements onto a healthy tooth on one side or the other of the false one, but doesn't have to attach on the other. Like a bonded bridge, these are best for front teeth because they aren't as heavily stressed.

As you can see, each of these dental bridges have their advantages. If you're not sure which is best for you, talk with your dentist about the health of your teeth so you can find the right choice. Contact a clinic like Rose City Dental Care for more information.