Dental Bridges in Oconomowoc, WI

Missing one or more teeth is common for many people.

The ADA reports that on average adult patients may have three missing or decayed teeth. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions for replacing missing teeth, including dental bridges. Dental bridges restore an area with one or more adjacent missing teeth helping you bite properly and restore function to your mouth. A bridge has two primary components. The abutment teeth (or supports) for the bridge are created by placing a dental crown on either a natural tooth or an implant. The synthetic tooth that replaces the missing tooth is called a pontic. In the case of one missing tooth, the two teeth on either side will be prepped for crowns and the missing tooth will be replaced with a synthetic tooth that is connected to the crowns on either side of the missing tooth. In the case of several adjacent missing teeth, one or more implants may provide the abutment. A bridge not only restores your smile, but also helps maintain the position of your remaining natural teeth and supports your overall oral health.

There are four main types of dental bridges:

Traditional Dental Bridge

This is the most common type of dental bridge. The existing teeth are crowned with one or more pontics between and held in place by the crowned abutments. The crowns are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth to create a support structure or “bridge” for the missing teeth.

Cantilever Bridge

This type of bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, except that the structure is supported on only one side instead of both sides. This can cause the restoration to act as a “lever” and may create additional stress on the supporting tooth, causing it to be more likely to loosen or fracture.

Implant Supported Bridge

Instead of using existing teeth to support a bridge, a dental implant may be substituted to provide support for one or both sides of a dental bridge. This is a popular option that can provide a very secure restoration. This solution is particularly helpful when there are several adjacent teeth missing and helps maintain the health of the jawbone.

Maryland Bridge

This type of bridge is supported by a metal structure that is cemented onto the back of existing teeth. While not as strong as a traditional bridge, it can preserve the tooth structure of the adjacent teeth by avoiding the use of crowns for the abutments. It may not stay in place when heavy forces are placed on the restoration (such as biting and chewing) and does add pressure to the supporting teeth.

With proper care and good oral hygiene, your new bridge can last for many years while helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation, where our team will assess your oral health, discuss your options, and recommend the best treatment for replacing your missing teeth.