If you have one or more missing teeth, dental bridges can help by making your smile complete once more. Using the existing teeth on either side of the gap to provide anchored support, a traditional bridge can be cemented or snapped into place. An implant-supported or fixed bridge would utilize dental implants to anchor the bridge instead. Understanding the difference between the two major types of bridges – fixed and traditional – can help you start a conversation with your dentist about which is best for you.
Filling The Gap
There are many different kinds of bridges, but they all fall into two major categories, fixed and removable. Like their names imply, fixed bridges cannot be removed, while removable bridges can and should be removed daily for cleaning. Fixed and removable bridges both anchor to the teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap they are trying to bridge.
- Implant-Fixed Bridges | The most advanced choice offered to patients with missing teeth are supported by dental implants. The implant bridge stands alone and offers long-term stability and durability. These fixed bridges make eating and talking easier because they are sturdier and will never slip. Implant-fixed bridges also relieve patients from the burden of daily external cleaning. To keep a fixed bridge clean, all you need to do is brush and floss regularly. Implant-fixed bridges are designed to be permanent solutions.
- Traditional Bridges | These bridges offer similar stability and results as implant supported ones, but use crowns to anchor the bridge on neighboring healthy teeth.
- Removable Bridges | Though implant-fixed bridges are more durable and longer lasting than removable ones, not everyone can utilize them. A removable bridge uses a metal frame, designed to snap onto adjacent teeth to hold the prosthetic teeth in place. An affordable option, the removable bridge will not compromise neighboring teeth as a traditional one.
At East Valley Dental Care, we offer customized dental treatment based on patient needs whether you need to repair or replace a tooth. Give us a call today, and we’ll have you smiling in no time.
