A dentist or prosthodontist (who specializes in the replacement of missing teeth) may recommend one of these types of bridges, depending on the location of your missing teeth and whether the adjacent teeth are structurally sound.
Traditional dental bridges have a metal framework, fused with porcelain or ceramic that can look very much like natural teeth. Dental crowns placed on abutment teeth on both sides of the gap are attached to artificial teeth called pontics.
Implant-supported bridges are considered the strongest and most stable type of dental bridge, since they’re held in place by dental implants that are fused to the jawbone. Implant-supported bridges are also the most intensive (and expensive) type of dental bridge procedure. Typically, they require one surgery to embed the implants in the jawbone and another, up to six months later (once the implants have healed), to place the bridge.
Maryland bridges, also called resin-bonded bridges, are a more conservative alternative to traditional bridges. They’re made of porcelain and supported by a metal or porcelain framework, which is bonded to the backs of the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth—not to crowns. Porcelain Maryland bridges can look very natural as replacements for front teeth, but they're not strong enough to replace molars.
Cantilever bridges are less common because they’re used exclusively in cases where there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing teeth. With a cantilever bridge, the pontic is held in place by cementing a dental crown to only one abutment tooth. Cantilever bridges are not recommended for the back of the mouth, because of the amount of force they can put on other teeth.
RealSelf Tip: Whitening treatments won't affect the color of the false teeth in your bridge. Getting teeth whitening before your bridge is created will help ensure the best long-term color match.
