If you are looking to restore your beautiful smile, you may wonder what options are out there (especially for your front teeth). The goal in replacing any missing tooth is a natural-looking restoration that functions just like natural teeth. One option that meets this goal is a front teeth bridge. This is what you should know about this option.
Can you use a bridge on front teeth?
If you, like 120 million other people in the U.S., are missing one or more teeth, you might consider replacing them with a dental bridge. Dental bridges are replacement teeth that can be affixed to fill the empty space in four ways.
- Traditional: Pontics (the replacement teeth) are attached to dental crowns that are then placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the missing teeth
- Cantilever: A cantilever bridge attaches on just one side to a healthy tooth
- Maryland: This type of bridge is attached to the back of the tooth on either side of the gap
- Implant-supported: An implant-supported bridge is attached with titanium posts to the jawbone (not the healthy teeth)
Pontics can be made from a variety of materials that include porcelain, zirconia, gold, or composite resin. Bridges can be mounted on metal, but at AZ Dentist we also offer metal-free bridges that are more universally well-tolerated.
Regardless of the style of bridge or the type of material, it is possible to use bridges on front teeth. The chewing force on the front teeth is much less than other grinding surfaces like the molars. Because of this, replacing front teeth with a bridge can be a good option for many.
What types of dental bridges work for front teeth?
Choosing a front teeth bridge means choosing not only the style of bridge, but the material of the pontics. Each bridge option comes with pros and cons. Let’s look at those in more detail.
Traditional bridges
Pros: These are the most common type of bridges. They are very sturdy and able to fill a large gap.
Cons: Traditional bridges require healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Additionally, because this bridge uses dental crowns on top of healthy teeth, this means the healthy tooth material must be removed to place the crown. Afterwards, the healthy tooth will always need to be covered, so if the bridge breaks or wears out, it must be replaced.
Cantilever
Pros: Like the traditional bridge, the cantilever uses a dental crown but only on one tooth.
Cons: The healthy tooth will be removed to the gumline to receive a crown. However, because it is supported on just one side, a cantilever bridge is slightly less stable than a traditional bridge.
Maryland
Pros: If you’re only missing one tooth, this can keep your healthy teeth intact with a bridge that attaches to the back of the teeth.
Cons: A Maryland bridge is less sturdy that the other types of bridge and should not be used for surfaces with a lot of biting force. Because of this decreased stability, they should also not be used to replace more than one missing tooth.
Implant-supported
Pros: These bridges are the sturdiest and most durable type of bridge. Additionally, because they are implanted in the jaw, they can actually improve the health of your jawbone.
Cons: Implant-supported bridges take two or more visits to the dentist for surgery. The recovery time is much longer than the other bridge, too. These bridges also come with a higher price tag, especially when replacing multiple teeth.
Materials
Once you select a bridge that works for you, you must choose a material for the pontics. Zirconia bridges are one of the most natural-looking type of bridges, and they also happen to be the most resistant to staining, cracking, and breaking.
Porcelain pontics are also another option. This material was long used for its natural-looking appearance and durability. It resists staining, cracking, and chipping. This material also provides a beautiful front teeth bridge at a slightly lower cost than zirconia.
What are my other options?
If you are missing front teeth, there are other options for replacing them. In addition to dental bridges, you have two main options to replace your missing front teeth.
Implants
If you are only replacing one or two front teeth, dental implants can keep your abutting healthy teeth intact.
The downside of dental implants is stated above: healing and surgical time can be extensive, which is why many people choose to go with a dental bridge. A dental implant can be a great option when you are only replacing one missing front tooth, though.
Dentures
Partial dentures are typically an option to replace front teeth. They are more affordable than bridges, but there are a few downsides. Dentures may not feel as stable as dental bridges, which can make you feel self-conscious. The hooks and loops on dentures may also be visible.
Additionally, dentures need to be relined and refitted periodically to ensure your comfort and a proper fit.
An overview of a front teeth bridge procedure
If you are receiving a traditional or cantilever bridge, the natural tooth or teeth with be prepared to receive a crown during your first visit. Your dentist will then make an impression of your teeth and provide you with a temporary bridge while creating your permanent one.
When your new bridge is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the new one, checking for proper fit and bite. It’s important this fits well for comfort and proper function.
The procedure for receiving an implant-supported bridge is more extensive and requires several visits for surgical implantation of the titanium posts.
Care for your new bridge as you would your natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss at least once. This removes staining food particles and keeps your natural teeth healthy. Visit your dentist for twice yearly check-ups, and let them know if anything changes with your bridge. With proper care, your front teeth dental bridge can last several decades.
Ready to explore all of your front teeth bridge options? Get in touch with AZ Dentist today! We can help.