If you’re looking to replace missing teeth in South Melbourne, dental bridges provide a reliable solution. Different types of dental bridges are available, each designed to address specific needs and conditions. Understanding the options can help you make an informed decision for optimal oral health.
This guide outlines the most common types of dental bridges to help you decide which is the best fit for your situation.
Types of Dental Bridges
| Type of Bridge | Description | Best for |
| Traditional Dental Bridges | Two crowns on adjacent teeth with a false tooth between. | Most cases of missing teeth in any location. |
| Cantilever Dental Bridges | One crown supporting the bridge with no second tooth support. | Front teeth with less chewing pressure. |
| Maryland Dental Bridges | Bonded false tooth with metal or porcelain wings. | Patients seeking a conservative approach. |
| Implant-Supported Dental Bridges | Uses dental implants as support. | Patients needing long-term, strong solutions. |
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are a common and effective option for replacing missing teeth. This type involves placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap (abutment teeth), with a false tooth (pontic) filling the space in between.
Benefits of Traditional Bridges
- Stability: Secured by crowns on both sides, offering strong support.
- Natural Look: Mimics the appearance and function of natural teeth.
- Prevents Shifting: Stops adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap.
- Affordable: Generally more affordable than implant-supported bridges.
Traditional bridges are best suited for those with healthy adjacent teeth to support the crowns. However, they do require some reduction of the natural tooth structure, which should be considered.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever dental bridges are an alternative to traditional bridges, with a key difference—only one side of the missing tooth has a supporting crown. This design makes them ideal for areas where fewer forces are exerted, such as the front teeth.
Advantages of Cantilever Bridges
- Less Invasive: Requires only one crown, preserving more tooth structure.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Suitable for the front teeth where appearance is essential.
Limitations
- Less Support: May not be suitable for back teeth where more force is applied during chewing.
- Risk of Damage: The single abutment tooth can face stress over time.
Cantilever bridges are a great choice when you want to preserve tooth structure and only need to replace a front tooth.
Maryland Dental Bridges
Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, use a metal or porcelain framework to bond a false tooth to the back of the adjacent natural teeth. This type of bridge is more conservative, requiring less alteration of the neighbouring teeth compared to traditional bridges.
Benefits of Maryland Bridges
- Minimally Invasive: Little to no removal of the natural tooth structure.
- Preserves Tooth Strength: The adjacent teeth are left largely intact.
- Ideal for Single Tooth Replacement: Great for patients with a single missing tooth.
However, Maryland bridges are typically less durable than other types and may not withstand heavy chewing forces. They are best suited for front teeth where the bite pressure is lower.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Implant-supported dental bridges are considered the most stable and long-lasting option. Instead of using crowns or wings for support, this type of bridge is anchored by dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone.
Key Benefits
- Stability and Durability: Implants provide the strongest support available.
- Prevents Bone Loss: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone deterioration.
- Long-Term Solution: With proper care, implant-supported bridges can last for decades.
- Natural Feel: Feels and functions like natural teeth.
Considerations
- Surgical Procedure: A minor surgical procedure is required to place the implants.
- Cost: Typically more expensive than other options, but the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial cost.
For patients looking for a permanent solution, implant-supported bridges offer the best results, particularly for those missing multiple teeth.
Comparison of Dental Bridges
| Type | Durability | Invasiveness | Best Use Case | Cost |
| Traditional Dental Bridges | High | Moderate | General missing teeth | Moderate |
| Cantilever Dental Bridges | Medium | Low | Front teeth with low-pressure | Moderate |
| Maryland Dental Bridges | Low to Medium | Low | Single missing tooth | Lower |
| Implant-Supported Dental Bridges | Very High | High | Long-term multiple tooth gaps | Higher |
Key Takeaways
In South Melbourne, you have access to various types of dental bridges, each with unique benefits tailored to your needs. Whether you opt for a traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported bridge, the team at South Melbourne Dental Smiles, your trusted dentist in South Melbourne, can guide you in choosing the best solution for your oral health.
Don’t let missing teeth affect your confidence and oral health. Schedule a consultation today at South Melbourne Dental Smiles, located at 214 Clarendon St, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, and explore the most suitable dental bridge options for your smile.
Dr David Nguyen, a dentist in South Melbourne who studied at the University of Queensland, has practiced in Berwick, Endeavour Hills, and Rosebud, providing high-quality general and cosmetic dentistry. With a special interest in implants, orthodontics, and wisdom teeth extractions, he is also an Invisalign and facial injectables provider. Dr David Nguyen speaks English and Vietnamese.
