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If you’re missing a tooth, you may be a candidate for a dental bridge. That’s an artificial tooth, or pontic, that fills in a gap created by a missing tooth to connect the teeth on either side of the gap.
They can be used as a solution when you’re missing more than one tooth, too. In fact, dental bridges are commonly used when someone is missing two or more consecutive teeth.
Closing this gap can: restore your ability to do things like chew properly improve your bite keep other teeth from shifting out of position There are several different kinds of dental bridges, including a cantilever dental bridge.
By opting for dental bridges, you can regain proper chewing ability, improve your bite, and prevent other teeth from shifting out of alignment. These custom restorations not only enhance your oral health but also restore your confidence. Talk to your dentist today to find out which dental bridge is right for you!
With a traditional bridge, an artificial tooth is held in place on both sides by crowns on the adjacent teeth. A cantilever dental bridge, on the other hand, needs to be cemented to a crown only on one side. The tooth on the side of the artificial tooth is typically called the abutment tooth.
Traditional bridges are most commonly used, but there are times when a cantilever bridge can be useful.
When is a cantilever bridge used on teeth?
A cantilever dental bridge might be a good option if you have a tooth only on one side of your missing tooth or when there aren’t two abutment teeth healthy enough to support a bridge.
Your dentist would fit the pontic in the gap, then anchor it to the remaining or healthy tooth on one side.
Cantilever bridges supported by implants can be highly successful. In fact, a study from 2010 reported a 94.3% success rate over five years for implant-supported fixed dental prostheses used to replace a single tooth.
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What are the benefits of a cantilever dental bridge?
Your dentist might discuss the advantages of choosing a cantilever dental bridge with you. Here are a few potential benefits:
- It’s an effective way to close the gap left by a missing tooth along your gumline.
- With fewer components involved, it could be a more cost-effective option compared to other solutions.
- Unlike other bridges, it only requires one abutment tooth for support, not two.
- The installation process is quicker than treatments involving dental implants.
What are the drawbacks of a cantilever bridge?
Cantilever support can be a little tricky. For that reason, cantilever bridges are often used only when one tooth is missing.
Location is important when considering a cantilever dental bridge. Your back teeth need to handle significant force while chewing, which can make them less ideal for this type of bridge.
According to 2012 research, cantilever bridges tend to work better in the front (anterior) part of the mouth, where there’s less pressure during biting and chewing.
But that doesn’t mean the front part of your mouth is always a good choice for a cantilever dental bridge.
A cantilever bridge might not be the best option if you have an underbite, a type of misalignment, as noted in a 2012 review on factors affecting fixed cantilever bridges.
Your dentist will also want to assess your teeth alignment, as uneven pressure could lead to the bridge breaking or failing. Plus, since it’s only anchored on one side, there’s always a chance it could loosen over time.
Cantilever bridge dental procedure
The process of installing a cantilever dental bridge may require a couple of visits to your dentist’s office.
During the first visit:
- Your dentist will start by taking impressions for the bridge.
- The next step is preparing the abutment tooth. This may entail removing some enamel and dentin from the tooth so a crown can be placed on top.
- Your dentist will take impressions for a permanent crown.
- A temporary crown may be placed on top, and your dentist might even place a temporary bridge, while the permanent bridge is being made in a lab.
At the next visit:
- Your dentist will remove the temporary bridge, if one was placed.
- Your dentist will fit the new bridge in place, with the permanent crown on your tooth, and adjust it.
- The cantilever dental bridge will be cemented in place.
How much does a cantilever dental bridge cost?
If you’re considering significant dental work, it’s important to factor in the cost. A cantilever dental bridge typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, covering the pontic and crown for each abutment tooth.
The cost can vary based on how many missing teeth will be replaced with the bridge, as well as the materials used to create the bridge and the complexity of the installation process.
If you have dental insurance, it often covers a portion of the cost for bridges, meaning you likely won’t have to pay the full amount out of pocket.
If you’re uninsured or still worried about the expense, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist. Many offices offer payment plans to help make treatment more affordable.
Alternatives to getting a cantilever dental bridge
A cantilever dental bridge may not be the best option for your situation. However, you do have alternatives.
Traditional bridge
A traditional dental bridge incorporates an artificial tooth that’s connected with cement to crowns that have been placed on the abutment teeth on both sides.
Maryland bridge
With a Maryland dental bridge, there’s no need for crowns on your abutment teeth. Instead, the replacement tooth is secured to the neighboring teeth using a porcelain, metal, or combination framework.
Dental implant
Rather than installing a bridge, your dentist might suggest a dental implant, depending on your situation.
Certain conditions or other facts can increaseTrusted Source the risk of a dental implant failure, though. These include:
- diabetes
- a history of smoking
- a history of head and neck radiation
- osteoporosis
Additionally, implant failure is more likely as people age. However, the overall failure rate is still low, according to 2018 researchTrusted Source.
Dental implant-supported bridge
Imagine a traditional bridge with an artificial tooth cemented to crowns on either side. Replace the traditional crowns with implants, and you have a dental implant-supported bridge.
This type of bridge is known for being very sturdy, but it will take a few months to complete the process.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures can sometimes be used to fill in gaps left by missing teeth, too. Remember that dentures are removable, so you’ll have to take them out and clean them on a daily basis.
And they may not last as long as you’d like. One 2017 study suggested that nearly 40 percent of people stop using their removable partial dentures within 5 years due to issues with aesthetics and pain.
Takeaway
If you’re missing one or more teeth and you’re interested in filling the gap, speak with your dentist about the most appropriate type of bridge for your situation.
The health of your surrounding teeth and the location of the missing ones are key factors to consider. Your dentist can help determine the best option for you—whether that’s a cantilever bridge or another type, based on your unique needs. For more home remedies and information visit: Remedyu.