What Are The Different Types Of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth and fill in the gaps between healthy teeth. Dental bridges may be made of a variety of different types of metal, porcelain, or a porcelain covered metal. Metal bridges are generally stronger than porcelain, but porcelain bridges are often preferred because they look more like the natural teeth. There are currently three different types of dental bridges available that are used to improve the appearance of your smile.

Fixed Dental Bridges 

Fixed dental bridges are installed by cementing the bridge to existing natural teeth to hold them in place. This type of bridge is made of a full artificial tooth surrounded by a crown on each side. The artificial tooth fits into the empty space where the missing tooth is. The crowns are attached to the artificial tooth on each side and fit over the natural teeth that have been shaved to fit tightly inside each crown.

This type of bridge is bonded in place with a special dental cement. This bridge looks and feels more like your natural teeth. Fixed dental bridges can only be removed by a dentist who has special tools to remove the dental cement. Therefore, this type of bridge is easier to eat and chew with because it fits so tightly in place.

Removable Dental Bridges 

Removable dental bridges are made up of only the artificial teeth that are meant to replace the missing teeth. The bridge fits into the open spaces between the existing teeth. Instead of having a crown that fits over the existing teeth on each side, there is a metal wire that clips around the existing teeth to hold the bridge in place.

This type of bridge allows the wearer to remove them and clean them as needed. These bridges are also strong enough for eating and chewing, but they must be cleaned regularly to prevent food from getting stuck in between the bridge and the natural teeth.

Implanted Dental Bridges 

Implanted dental bridges, commonly known as dental implants, are artificial teeth that are attached directly to the jawbone. Metal posts are installed into the jawbone and the bridge is then screwed down onto the posts. These bridges may also be attached to a metal plate that lays below the gum tissue and sits directly on the jawbone instead.

Implanted dental bridges must be installed surgically because the gum tissue must be cut open and then sutured back together. These bridges have become much more popular in recent years because they look and feel the most like natural teeth once the gums have healed.

Having dental bridges installed not only helps improve the appearance of the teeth. It can also prevent damage to the remaining natural teeth that may shift or become loose if the missing teeth are not replaced. 

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