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 restore your 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 one or more teeth. If you lose a tooth and the space remains empty, eventually the surrounding teeth can drift into the open space, creating misalignment and bite issues.

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

Types of dental bridges

There are several types of bridges, and the best option for you depends on your specific dental needs and the location of the missing teeth:

Fixed Bridge
Also called a traditional bridge, this type includes one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by dental crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Cantilever Bridge
Used when there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap, this bridge is anchored by a single crown. It’s often placed in areas like the back of the mouth, where chewing forces are lower.

Maryland Bridge
A conservative option that doesn’t require crowns. Instead, the artificial tooth is bonded to the back of adjacent teeth using a metal or porcelain framework.

Implant-Supported Bridge
Ideal for replacing several missing teeth in a row. Dental implants are surgically placed on each end of the gap and support one or more artificial teeth in between.

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!