Welcome to the General Dentist’s Guide to Dental Bridges. This is a simple, straight-talking guide to help you understand what dental bridges are and how they function. It’s like having a friendly chat with your local dentist Santa Monica, CA. We’ll untangle complex dental terms and make them easily digestible. Just like breaking down food with your teeth, we’ll break down the topic of dental bridges for you. Let’s dive in.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge fills the gap where a tooth has gone missing. It consists of two parts: a false tooth, called a pontic, and two crowns to anchor the pontic in place. The crowns go over the teeth on either side of the gap. The pontic gets suspended in between.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, and Maryland. The right one for you depends on where in your mouth the gap is and the health of your teeth.
| BRIDGE TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
| Traditional | A false tooth is held by dental crowns cemented onto each of the adjacent teeth. |
| Cantilever | A false tooth is held by a dental crown cemented to only one adjacent tooth. |
| Maryland | A false tooth is held by a metal or porcelain framework, bonded onto the backs of the adjacent teeth. |
Dental Bridge Benefits
Dental bridges offer many benefits. They help restore your smile and the ability to speak and chew properly. They maintain the shape of your face and prevent remaining teeth from shifting position.
For more information, consult the American Dental Association.
Conclusion
Dental bridges are a tried-and-true solution for missing teeth. They’re like a trusty bridge over a river, providing a secure and reliable way to get from one side to the other. Remember, the best way to know if a dental bridge is right for you is to consult your dentist.
