Dental bridges West Point MS are fixed prosthetic devices designed to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. They connect an artificial tooth, known as a pontic, to the adjacent teeth or implants on either side of the space. By doing so, they not only restore the ability to chew effectively but also enhance the overall appearance of your smile and promote better oral health by preventing the neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridge. The most prevalent type of dental bridges West Point MS is the traditional bridge, which features dental crowns on both ends with artificial teeth, known as pontics, positioned in the middle. A dentist attaches the crowns to your natural teeth, referred to as abutments, on either side of the gap, effectively filling the space with the pontics. This type of bridge is ideal when you have healthy natural teeth flanking the empty space.
Cantilever Dental Bridge. In contrast, a cantilever bridge resembles a traditional bridge but has a crown only on one side. When your dentist secures the bridge to the abutment tooth, the pontic extends across the gap, creating a “hanging” effect. Cantilever bridges are typically used when there are natural teeth present on just one side of the gap. However, due to their construction, they are generally not as robust as traditional bridges.
Maryland Dental Bridge. A Maryland dental bridges West Point MS, also known as a resin-bonded bridge, employs metal wings instead of crowns for support. The dentist bonds these wings to the backs of adjacent teeth to keep the bridge stable. Maryland bridges are commonly used for replacing front teeth, as they are not designed to endure the chewing forces that back teeth experience.
Implant-Supported Bridge. An implant-supported bridge functions similarly to a traditional bridge, but instead of relying on natural teeth for support, it is anchored to dental implants. These implants are small, threaded posts that serve as replacements for the roots of missing teeth. Before a dental bridges West Point MS can be secured to the implants, it is essential for them to fully integrate with the jawbone, a process that typically takes between three to six months, although it may vary based on individual circumstances. This type of bridge is particularly beneficial when there are three or more consecutive missing teeth.
