If you feel embarrassed or low confidence because of your one or more missing teeth, don’t worry, you are not alone. It’s a common problem nowadays. The majority of adults in Australia have two or more decayed or missing teeth. New developments in dentistry have given you many options to replace your missing teeth.  

If you find a suitable replacement, you will love to show your confident smile. Dental bridges  Port Melbourne  are one of the most popular options for tooth replacement. Let’s see the overview of the types of bridges available so that you can choose the right one when your need arises:    

Traditional Dental Bridges 

Traditional bridges are popular dental bridges used when you have natural teeth surrounding your missing or gapped tooth. Here, the two original teeth or abutment teeth in your mouth support one or more false teeth between them and hold them in place. False teeth are also known as pontic teeth.  

Generally, traditional bridges are made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal. They are extremely strong and can replace even molars. However, there is one disadvantage of conventional bridges.  

These types of bridges require some enamel to be removed from your natural teeth to put dental crowns on your adjacent teeth. Removing enamel makes your teeth weak and sensitive because the enamel is irreversible. You will have to protect your teeth with crowns. 

 

Cantilever Bridges 

Like traditional bridges, cantilever bridges are also attached to your original tooth, but only on one side. These bridges are used when your natural teeth are present on one side of the gap. If you want this bridge, you must have only one natural tooth next to the gap.    

In this case, also your dentist will remove enamel from your adjacent natural tooth to prepare it for supporting the bridge. They are supported on only one side and may have higher chances of loosened crowns, fractured teeth, or other complications. 

Maryland Bridges 

Maryland dental bridges also use two natural teeth, one on each side of the gap, like traditional bridges. However, a traditional bridge uses dental crowns on your original teeth. In contrast, a Maryland bridge uses porcelain or a metal framework to bind a false tooth to the backs of surrounding abutment or original teeth.  

Generally, these types of bridges are recommended for replacing the missing front teeth of your mouth. The bridge doesn’t need crowns to hold it in place. Hence, it doesn’t require enamel to be removed from its adjacent teeth on both sides.  

The downside of this bridge is that it is not durable like traditional dental bridges. Its strength depends on the binding material that holds it together. In addition, it may not be an ideal option for teeth like molars because these teeth experience excessive biting force.  

Implant-Supported Bridges 

Implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants and not by your natural teeth. These bridges are considered as most stable and the strongest system. It requires two surgeries to place the bridges and several months to complete the treatment procedure. 

Final Thought 

These dental bridges give you a chance to rock your smile with pride and confidence. With so many options available, you can discuss with your dentist and choose the best fit for your mouth.   

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