4 Types of Dental Bridges Explained
Mar 07, 2025
Missing teeth can significantly impact one’s self-esteem. Even if the gap is not visible to others, it can still cause discomfort for the individual. Teeth are naturally inclined to shift over time. A gap in the smile can lead to misalignment and bite issues as surrounding teeth move to fill that space. Additionally, the loss of several teeth increases the risk of jawbone deterioration.
Fortunately, dental bridges are an effective solution for restoring one's smile. Dr. Sabrina E. Mickel and our team in Beachwood, Ohio, can use these prosthetic devices to fill the gaps left by missing teeth, improving appearance and oral function.
A bridge replaces your missing teeth with artificial teeth that close the gap. Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, the procedure involves using two or more crowns anchored to neighboring teeth. Dental bridges can be supported by either healthy natural teeth or dental implants.
Dental bridges are available in four types, each designed to meet different tooth restoration needs.
A traditional dental bridge is often considered the most common solution for replacing a single missing tooth. This type of bridge involves securing the artificial tooth, or pontic, to the adjacent healthy teeth using two crowns.
These crowns are placed on the surrounding teeth on either side of the gap, providing stability and a reliable way to maintain the position of the artificial tooth.
The Maryland dental bridge functions like a traditional dental bridge but features a key distinction: it utilizes a metal framework instead of placing crowns on both sides of the gap.
This framework is securely bonded to the back of the adjacent healthy teeth, supporting the bridge. This technique allows for a less invasive option while effectively restoring your smile.
Dr. Mickel often recommends cantilever dental bridges for patients with healthy neighboring teeth on one side of a missing tooth.
This type of bridge is unique because it requires only a single point of contact to secure the artificial tooth in place, distinguishing it from other types of dental bridges that may need two or more anchoring points.
Implant-supported dental bridges are particularly beneficial for individuals who have lost multiple consecutive teeth and lack healthy adjacent teeth to support a traditional bridge. These implants provide exceptional stability and can support dental bridges for many years, often spanning decades.
Like conventional dental bridges, an implant-supported bridge secures an artificial tooth to two implants on either side of the gap created by missing teeth. This method restores functionality and enhances aesthetics, making it a reliable option for tooth replacement.
You might need a dental bridge if you lose one or more teeth but still have healthy teeth nearby to support the crown portion. After a comprehensive exam, Dr. Mickel and our team can recommend the best option for your needs.
Don’t wait to restore the beauty and functionality of your smile. Contact Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS & Associates, in Beachwood, OH, to schedule a consultation. Call 216-510-9974 to make an appointment, or use our convenient online booking option today.