Dental Bridges in Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls Dental provides dental bridges in Chagrin Falls, OH. Call 440-247-8641 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Dental bridges are a common solution used to restore one or more missing teeth. Although there are a few different options for bridges, what they all have in common is that they bridge the gap in your smile using a system of supports (abutments) and prosthetic teeth (pontics) to replace missing teeth. During your restorative dentistry consultation at our office, we’ll help you choose the dental bridge that best fits your needs and preferences.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer the following dental bridge options at Chagrin Falls Dental:
Traditional Dental Bridges:
Traditional dental bridges are the most common type of bridge. The two teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile are used as abutments to support a span of pontics. To accomplish this, we trim the teeth down and place dental crowns on them. The downside of this is that it leaves these abutment teeth at higher risk of tooth decay or fracture. Sometimes, when only one adjacent tooth is available for support, we may need to place a cantilever bridge, which is supported by a single crown. Because of the added stress placed on the supporting tooth, we only use this option when no alternatives are available.
Maryland Bridges:
Maryland bridges forgo the use of dental crowns and instead bond a metal support structure to the backs of the abutment teeth. This preserves the healthy tooth structure, but it means a Maryland bridge is not as strong and durable as a traditional bridge.
Implant Supported Bridges:
Implant-supported bridges are an excellent alternative to traditional bridges because they don’t require any support from healthy teeth. Instead, dental implants are used to anchor a bridge in place. These restorations are durable and long-lasting.
Call 440-247-8641 to schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
What is better, a bridge or an implant?
Every patient has unique needs and circumstances, but generally speaking, dental implants are considered the superior option because they address tooth loss both above and below the gum line and prevent bone loss in the jaw.
Are dental bridges permanent?
Dental bridges are permanent in that you won’t be able to remove them from your mouth on your own like a denture, but they usually need replacement at some point.
Is a bridge cheaper than an implant?
Dental bridges are more affordable than dental implants. That said, dental implants are stronger, last longer, and have a lower risk of compromising other natural teeth.
Are dental bridges painful?
No, dental bridges are not painful. Local anesthetic is used for both implant-supported bridges and traditional bridges.
Do you need a bridge after a tooth extraction?
Not necessarily. If you have a number of natural teeth extracted, you may be a candidate for a partial denture; if you’d like a longer-lasting restoration that’s better for your overall oral health, you can choose to have a dental implant instead of a bridge. We do recommend that you choose some kind of replacement for your missing tooth after an extraction, whether it’s a bridge, denture, or dental implant.