Chewing problems, speech difficulties, limited food choices, and loss of self-esteem; do these sound familiar to you? If so, you might be dealing with the challenges of one or more missing teeth.
Smile Point is here to help you find the best solution: Through this article, we’ll explore an effective method to regain the beauty of your smile: Types of Dental Bridges.
Our Services: Dental crowns and bridges in Oakville
What Are the Types of Dental Bridges?
There are 4 different types of dental bridges. Each of these types is used in different situations based on several factors.

1. Traditional Dental Bridges
This type of dental bridge is used when there are healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap. The dentist places dental crowns on these two teeth, and a prosthetic tooth is placed between the crowns which fills the gap.
2. Maryland Dental bridges
Maryland dental bridges are held in place with metal wings bound to natural teeth instead of crowns. Maryland dental bridges are usually used to cover missing teeth in front of the mouth since this type of dental bridge is not as strong as other types and therefore is not suitable for forceful chewing.
3. Cantilever Dental Bridge
For this type of bridge, only one natural tooth next to the gap is used to place the crown. The pontic is then secured by this one tooth to fill the gap.
Cantilever dental bridges are used when you have only one healthy adjacent tooth. Obviously, it is not as strong as traditional dental bridges being attached to two abutments.
4. Implant-supported Bridge
To utilize implant-supported bridges, small threaded posts are placed into the jawbone. After this artificial root is fused with your bone, a prosthetic tooth can be placed on top of it. Your natural teeth are not involved in this process.
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What Is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are used to fill the empty spaces of one or more missing teeth.
There are two essential components to a dental bridge:
- Abutment: This structure is used to support the dental bridge. Abutments can be either natural teeth or dental implants, and they play a crucial role in the overall effectiveness of the bridge
- Pontic: The prosthetic teeth that fill the space of the missing teeth, designed to look and function like a natural tooth. Dental bridge pontics come in various shapes and sizes, and their design aims to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural teeth for a natural appearance.
Read more: What Are the Regular Signs of Tooth Decay
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Improve the appearance of your teeth
- Restore your chewing ability
- Prevent adjacent teeth from shifting Preserve facial structure
- Enhance speech clarity
- Prevent the resorption of the jaw
- Quick and non-invasive procedure
- Cost-effective
- Long-lasting results
Which Type of Dental Bridge Is Best for Me?
To determine which one of these types of bridges is the best option for you, various factors need to be considered:
- How old are you?
- How many teeth are you missing?
- How big is the gap?
- Do you have healthy natural teeth next to the gap?
- Which one do you prefer?
Usually, these concerns are discussed during the initial examination session when the dentist can give you recommendations on which type of dental bridge works best for you, depending on your specific case. At Smile Point Dental Clinic, our consultations are free, so you can easily get professional advice or a second opinion without any worries.
Cost of Dental Bridges
Various factors affect the final cost of getting dental bridges:
Type of Bridge
Different types of bridges cost differently. The implant-supported ones are usually the most expensive after traditional and cantilever ones. Maryland dental bridges are less expensive than the other ones.
The Material Used
Dental bridges come with different materials with different appearances and features. The most common material used is porcelain since it resembles the look of natural teeth. It is also more durable.
Number of Missing Teeth
As you will need more dental bridges to cover the gaps caused by missing teeth, more material will be used and the process will be longer, which results in a higher cost.
Additional Procedures
Going through your dental bridge journey, your teeth may need to undergo some other procedures if they are damaged or decayed, or you may need a tooth extraction. Oral exams and dental X-rays can also add up to the overall cost.
Who Cannot Get a Dental Bridge?

While dental bridges are a common and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, there are certain situations in which individuals may not be suitable candidates for this treatment. Here are some circumstances where getting a dental bridge may not be recommended:
Insufficient Natural Teeth: If there aren’t many healthy teeth nearby, it may be tricky to attach a dental bridge securely.
Poor Oral Hygiene Habits: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, it might be hard to keep a dental bridge clean and problem-free.
Uncontrolled Gum Disease: Severe gum disease compromises bridge stability; treatment is advised before considering a bridge.
Unfavorable Tooth Alignment: Severely misaligned teeth may cause problems for placing a stable dental bridge. You may need to get orthodontic treatment before considering dental bridges.
Inadequate Bone Density: Insufficient jawbone density, especially for implant-supported bridges, may require bone grafting before the procedure.
Certain Systemic Health Conditions: Uncontrolled health conditions, like diabetes or immune disorders, may impact the success of bridge placement.
–Pregnancy: It’s usually best to wait until after having a baby to get a dental bridge. Dental work during pregnancy is limited.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): If you grind your teeth too much, it can lead to the damage or failure of dental bridges. It’s a good idea to address teeth grinding before getting a bridge.
At Smile Point, we take pride in providing top-notch dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our team of experienced and compassionate dentists is committed to delivering personalized and patient-centered services, helping you attain the best results. Schedule a consultation today at Smile Point and embark on a journey to a more confident and radiant smile!