Can I Get a Dental Bridge if I’m Missing More Than One Tooth?

There are many devices in dentistry that improve your smile, and a bridge is one of the most diverse. You can customize it to suit your dental needs and it can work with other dental prosthetics to give you a full, natural-looking smile.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to fill a space in your mouth where you’ve lost a tooth. If you lose a tooth and the space remains empty, eventually the remaining teeth on either side might drift into the open space from the force of your bite.

This can leave pockets open around your gum line for bacteria to enter, and cause tooth decay and infection. A bridge prevents drifting and therefore, prevents infection. Plus, it looks and functions like your natural teeth.

Types of dental bridge

There are a few types of bridge available. Which one you get depends on your needs:

Fixed bridge

A fixed bridge (or traditional bridge) has one crown on each end that fits over your teeth on either side of the space. This functions as an anchor for the crown(s) in the center.

Cantilever bridge

This type of bridge has a crown on only one side to anchor it. Dentists use it when there isn’t a tooth on the other side. For example, at the back of your mouth.

Maryland bridge

This type of bridge is less invasive than the others. It doesn’t use crowns at all. A dentist would fasten it to your teeth using metal or porcelain frameworks.

Implant-supported bridge

If you’re missing a few teeth in a row, you may have the option of an implant-supported bridge. Implants are placed in the outer spaces with a crown in the middle.

If you have one or more missing teeth and are looking for a dentist in Milford to ask about a dental bridge, book an appointment with Milford Family Dental today!