Dental Bridges

This is the most popular type of dental bridge.

Suitable for

• Anyone who has 2 strong, natural teeth on each side of the lost tooth

How it works

• Your abutment teeth (teeth beside the lost tooth which will be supporting the bridge) will be prepped to receive dental crowns: teeth enamel is removed
• A bridge consisting of 2 crowns and a pontic will be put in place

Pros

• Strong enough to replace molars
• Lightweight, able to chew comfortably
• Can last a long time if good oral hygiene is maintained

Cons

• Requires tooth enamel to be removed, compromising protection

Suitable for

• Anyone who has either 1 strong natural tooth or 1 implant beside the lost tooth

How it works

• Same process as traditional bridges but instead of having 2 crowns, there is only 1 crown

Pros

• Lightweight, able to chew comfortably

Cons

• Requires tooth enamel to be removed, compromising protection
• Reduced support compared to traditional bridge

Suitable for

• Anyone who has strong, natural front teeth adjoined to the lost tooth
• A temporary fix for a healing dental implant or
• While waiting for adulthood before installing an implant

How it works

• The pontic may be made of porcelain or resin with comparable gum material
• Metal wings will be attached to the pontic on both sides
• The metal wings will be bonded to your adjoining teeth on both sides

Pros

• Minimal contouring is required to the abutment teeth
• Cost-effective
• Efficient

Cons

• Metal wings may cast a shadow on the natural tooth/dislodge

This is similar to the previous types, except that the bridges are supported by dental implants instead of crowns.

Suitable when

• You have 1 or more missing teeth

How it works

• An implant can be installed for every missing tooth or every other missing tooth, depending on how many there are
• The bridge is then supported by implants

Pros

• No damage to adjoining natural teeth
• Suitable for people with metal allergies
• Comfortable

Cons

• Implant failures may occur
• Surgery is required