A dental bridge is a solid option for replacing missing teeth. It can bring back your smile, keep your face from premature sagging, and make it easier to eat and talk. If you’re looking for a dental bridge in Waco, TX, Fusion Dental and Braces can create one that fits your smile at our Hewitt dental office.
Types of Dental Bridges in Waco, TX
At Fusion Dental, we offer different types of dental bridges to meet your needs. If you have missing or damaged teeth, you’ll first meet with one of our dentists. They will look at the health of your teeth and gums to decide which type is right for you.
The kind of bridge you need depends on how many teeth are missing and where the gaps are. Your dentist will also think about your budget and preferences. Every bridge has its own look, and your dentist will help you choose the best one for your situation.
Traditional Bridge
A traditional bridge uses one or more fake teeth, called pontics, which are held in place by crowns on the nearby teeth. This type is the most common and works well if the teeth next to the gap are healthy. The dentist will shape these teeth to fit the crowns.
Traditional bridges are strong and can last for many years with good care. But they do require removing some enamel from the teeth that will hold the bridge.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain frame bonded to the back of the nearby teeth with special resin. This type doesn’t need crowns, so it’s less invasive than a traditional bridge. It works well for front teeth where appearance is key. The frame is often made of porcelain to match your natural teeth.
Maryland bridges aren’t as strong as traditional ones and may not hold up well to heavy chewing.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is attached to just one tooth next to the gap. It’s used when there’s only one tooth available to support the bridge. This type is less common but can be helpful in certain cases, like when fewer teeth are available.
This type of bridge requires the supporting tooth to be very strong. Cantilever bridges are less stable than others and work better in areas with less chewing force, like the front teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is attached to dental implants. The dentist places implants in your jawbone, which act as roots for the fake teeth. The bridge is then secured to these implants.
This type of bridge is very strong and long-lasting, especially for replacing multiple missing teeth in the back of the mouth. Since implants are used, the healthy nearby teeth don’t need to be altered. The process does involve surgery and a healing period, but it provides a solid, long-term fix.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge offers many benefits. It can improve your smile and give you more confidence. A bridge also keeps your face from sinking in, which can happen when teeth are missing. It will also make chewing and talking easier.
Dental bridges help prevent your other teeth from shifting into the gap, which keeps your bite aligned. They also spread out the force when you bite, lowering the chances of damage to other teeth.
If you’re missing teeth and want to learn more about dental bridges in Waco, TX, schedule a visit with Fusion Dental at their Hewitt office. Call (254) 224-6600 or schedule an appointment online.