Dental Bridges and Crowns in Bayside, NY

If you have a missing tooth or more than one, don’t feel alone. The average adult between 20 and 64 have reported having an average of three missing or decayed teeth. There are several options available for replacing these teeth which include dental bridges. There are four main types of dental bridges that Aram Cazazian at Bayside Family Dentistry in Bayside, NY might recommend for replacing your teeth.

Traditional Dental Bridges

The most popular type of dental bridges is the traditional ones. These bridges will consist of one or more fake teeth and are kept in place with dental crowns. They are cemented onto teeth next to your missing one.

Traditional bridges might be used when you still have natural teeth on either side of your tooth gap. They are even strong enough to replace molars. The drawback of traditional dental bridges is the dentist at Bayside Family Dentistry will need to remove the enamel on adjacent teeth to create room for the crowns that will be put on the top. Enamel does not grow back so those teeth will always need to be protected by crowns.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges, except the pontic is supported by dental crowns on only one side, rather than both. So even if you have only one natural tooth, you can still have a bridge secured. This can lead to complications such as fractured teeth or loose crowns.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges are conservative when compared to traditional bridges. They consist of a pontic that is secured in place by a porcelain or metal framework. The framework is bonded onto the backs of your adjacent teeth next to the tooth gap. The teeth will not need to be filed, since it does not use crowns.

There are drawbacks, however. The strength of the bridge is contained to the strength of the resin that keeps it in place, so it might not keep in place in areas that have a lot of force, such as molars. They might also get in the way of your bite or gums.

Implant-Supported Bridges

If you have more than one tooth that’s missing, implant-supported bridges are an option. They are supported by dental implants. Typically, one implant is used per missing tooth, and the series of implants holds the bridge in place. However, two surgeries are required to put the implants in place. The first will place the implants and the second will put the bridge in place. When done, they will act like natural teeth.