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What Kind Of Dental Bridges Is Right For You?

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There are a variety of options to consider after choosing to have dental bridges installed, which can make it tough to determine what style is right for you. Following is a break down of the most popular options, which should help you narrow down the choices to one or two that best meet your expectations:

The Traditional Route

Traditional bridges are the most common option among patients because they've been tried and tested, and they offer reliable results. Traditional bridges may contain one or more fake teeth and are held in place by dental crowns which are connected to your real teeth with special cement. Strong enough to replace lost molars, traditional bridges can be utilized anywhere a tooth is missing as long as real teeth are in place on opposite sides to anchor the bridges in. Because the teeth your bridges will be cemented to have to be prepped by removing enamel, those teeth will need to be protected by crowns forever, even if you decide to remove your bridges at a later time for some reason.

The Maryland Choice

Maryland bridges don't require the use of crowns like traditional ones. Instead, one fake tooth is held in place with a small custom frame that is bonded to the backs of adjacent real teeth. The frames can be removed for any reason, so this choice of bridge isn't permanent. Maryland bridges are ideal for those who want to replace just one or two missing teeth, as they're not as strong as traditional bridges and would likely cause problems while chewing food if too many were installed in your mouth at the same time.

The Implant-Supported Decision

Implant-supported dental bridges can accommodate those who want to replace several missing teeth but don't want to have crowns installed in their mouth. As the name suggests, this type of bridge is supported by an implant that is placed directly in the gum area of each missing tooth. Once the implants are in place, they'll be used to secure your dental bridge in place. Implant-supported bridges are very secure and offer a realistic mouth feeling that will hold up to years of chewing and talking.

Unfortunately, the process requires two surgeries so it could take weeks from the time you start getting your implants to the time your bridges are installed. But once in place, your implant-supported bridges should provide you with a lifetime of convenience and comfort.

Depending on your personal needs and preferences, any one of the kinds of bridges outlined are worth considering. An experienced dentist can help you make a final decision if you're still on the fence, so don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a professional.  


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