If you have a missing tooth, a great way to replace it is with a dental bridge. The process essentially uses a healthy tooth to hold a false tooth in place so that you have a full set of teeth. However, there are different types of dental bridges available to you. Here is what you need to know about dental bridges.
Fixed-Fixed Bridge
The strongest bridge that you can get to replace a missing tooth is a fixed-fixed bridge. This type of bridge uses two teeth around the missing tooth to anchor the crown to, which end up forming a solid connection between both teeth. While you may not be excited about the idea of altering those two healthy teeth to support one artificial tooth, it can provide the most support for the artificial tooth while being minimally invasive. This type of bridge is best used for
Fixed-Movable Bridge
What makes a fixed-movable bridge unique is that it only supports the artificial with one tooth that has a full crown on it. The tooth on the opposite side of the gap has a small foot that goes into the tooth, so most of the natural tooth is saved rather than destroyed. You get the benefit of having support from both teeth when chewing, but it only requires one crown to get the job done.
Cantilever Bridge
The cantilever bridge is different from the previous two types because the bridge only supports itself with one tooth. This type of bridge may be done when using the bridge to replace a rear molar that doesn't have another tooth on the opposite side to get additional support from. However, it can still be used to replace a tooth in the middle of your mouth when you have a perfectly healthy tooth on either side of the gap that your dentist cannot justify putting a crown on.
Maryland Bridge
Rather than use dental crowns, a Maryland bridge is held in place by using strong dental cement. Rather than have the support on the top of the tooth with a crown, the support is on the rear surface of the tooth. Therefore, a Maryland bridge is not often used on rear molars that are used to chew harder. It's often used for front-facing teeth that see less pressure on them from chewing.
Not sure which crown is best for you? Make sure to ask your dentist or more information
If you are tired of coming down with dental problems, the problem might not be your toothpaste. Instead, it could be your habits tied to your dental care. Aggressive brushers, people who have a tendency to forget, and even people who are flossing improperly could be left with serious dental issues, which is why it really pays to focus on mastering the small things. From moving forward with a better brushing routine to doing what you can to identify and resolve ongoing decay, making your dental health a priority is instrumental in preventing pain and added budgetary strains. Check out this blog to find out more.