The Different Types of Dental Bridges: Understanding Your Options

Missing teeth can quietly disrupt everyday life, from eating comfortably to speaking clearly and smiling with ease. Dental bridges offer more than a solution—they restore balance, confidence, and natural function. Understanding your choices helps you choose what fits your needs best. Explore how the right dental bridge can bring back the strength and comfort of your natural smile.

What Is a Dental Bridge and How Does It Work?

Think of a dental bridge as a connector. When one or more teeth go missing, a bridge fills the space using neighboring teeth for support. It’s like a team effort—your natural teeth (or implants) hold up the replacement tooth, known as a pontic.

Here’s what a dental bridge does:

• Restores chewing strength so you can enjoy meals again.
• Improves speech that might’ve changed due to the gap.
• Keeps surrounding teeth from drifting out of line.
• Brings back a full smile, which can boost your self-esteem.

The bridge attaches to natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. These anchor teeth, called abutments, hold the pontic in place, creating a stable and natural-looking result.

Traditional Dental Bridge

This is the most common type—and for good reason. A traditional dental bridge works when you have healthy teeth on both sides of the gone tooth.

Features of a traditional bridge:

• Two crowns are placed on your natural teeth.
• One or more artificial teeth in between.
• Made from materials like porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.

This option provides strength and durability. If you’re searching for dental bridges near you, this classic solution remains a trusted and accessible choice. It’s ideal if you’ve lost a single tooth or a small group of teeth. People choose it because it looks natural and functions almost like their original teeth.

Cantilever Dental Bridge

What if there’s only one tooth next to the gap? That’s where the cantilever bridge comes in. It uses just one abutment tooth to support the pontic.

Why choose a cantilever bridge?

• Useful for areas like the front of the mouth, where chewing pressure is lighter.
• Requires fewer changes to surrounding teeth.

But—it’s not perfect for everyone. Since the force is on one side, it may not be suited for back teeth, or if you grind or clench often.

Maryland Bonded Bridge (Resin-Bonded Bridge)

Also known as a Maryland bridge, this type takes a more conservative approach. Instead of placing crowns, it uses a metal or porcelain frame with wings that bond to the back of adjacent teeth.

Benefits:

• Minimal alteration to natural teeth.
• Often used for missing front teeth.
• Can be completed with less invasive prep.

This bridge blends in nicely and preserves your existing tooth structure. However, it might not handle as much bite force as other types.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

An implant-supported bridge doesn’t rely on natural teeth. Instead, dental implants hold it up, making it one of the most secure choices.

What makes it different?

• Implants are surgically placed into your jaw.
• Once healed, they serve as anchors for the bridge.
• Suitable for people missing multiple teeth in a row.

If you’re exploring options for dental bridges in Spirit Lake, IA, this type offers excellent stability and helps avoid bone loss in the jaw. It often lasts longer and feels more like your original teeth.

Comparing the Different Types of Dental Bridges

Each bridge option serves a unique purpose. Here’s a breakdown to help you weigh them:

If you want a long-term fix and don’t mind surgery, implants might suit you. Want a non-invasive method? The Maryland bridge could be the way to go.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

No matter which bridge you choose, care makes the difference between success and setbacks. A well-maintained bridge can last over a decade.

Daily tips to protect your bridge:

• Brush twice a day while using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Floss under the bridge using threaders or special floss.
• Use a water flosser to reach tight spots.
• Visit your dentist in Spirit Lake regularly for checkups and cleaning.

Avoid chewing on ice or really hard foods. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist might suggest a mouthguard.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right dental bridge restores more than teeth—it restores comfort, confidence, and quality of life. Let Great Lakes Dental Associates help you find the best solution for your smile. Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation today and feel the difference a healthy, complete smile can make. Your future smile deserves this care.