5 Types of Dental Bridges

Types of Dental Bridges: What Type is Best for Me?

At Westcoast International Dental Clinic, we offer various types of dental bridges to address your specific needs. Dental bridges serve as a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. Many adults between 20–65 years old face tooth loss. The average person is missing or has three decaying teeth that will require replacement. The success of any bridge depends on maintaining excellent oral hygiene and following proper care instructions from your dental team.

1. Traditional Dental Bridges:

Traditional bridges are the most popular choice for tooth restoration. These types of dental bridges work effectively when you have healthy natural teeth or implants on both sides of the gap. They provide excellent chewing comfort by distributing bite force evenly across your teeth. The lightweight design ensures natural feel and function. Traditional bridges blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, creating a natural-looking smile.

The process requires removing enamel from the adjacent teeth to accommodate the crowns. Since enamel cannot regenerate, these supporting teeth will always need crown protection. Good oral hygiene helps traditional bridges last many years. Regular dental check-ups ensure the longevity of your bridge and help maintain the health of supporting teeth. Most patients adapt quickly to traditional bridges and find them comfortable for daily activities.

2. Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges offer a solution when only one anchor tooth supports the missing tooth. While we don’t recommend these types of dental bridges for back teeth due to excessive bite forces, they work for front tooth replacement. A skilled dental lab can design cantilever bridges to manage bite forces, making them a cost-effective option in specific situations. The success of cantilever bridges depends on the strength and position of the supporting tooth. We carefully evaluate bite patterns and jaw alignment before recommending cantilever bridges. These bridges require less tooth preparation than traditional bridges but demand precise placement for optimal results. Regular monitoring ensures the supporting tooth maintains its strength and stability over time.

3. Maryland Dental Bridges

Maryland bridges feature a unique winged design with metal attachments that bond to existing teeth. This conservative option uses plastic teeth and gum material reinforced by a metal frame. We primarily use Maryland bridges for front teeth when the adjacent teeth remain healthy and stable. The metal framework provides necessary support while minimizing visibility.

This option requires minimal adjustment to supporting teeth, making it efficient and cost-effective. However, metal attachments can cause tooth discoloration over time, and the bridges sometimes detach. Many dentists consider these types of dental bridges (Maryland) as temporary solutions, particularly during implant healing or for patients under 18 awaiting growth completion. The success rate improves significantly when patients follow proper care guidelines and avoid excessive force on the bridge.

4. Composite Dental Bridges 

Composite bridges provide a quick, affordable solution for replacing one or two teeth. We create these types of dental bridges in a single visit using composite bonding material. The process demands precision and artistic skill to recreate a natural-looking tooth. Our dentists match the color and shape perfectly to your existing teeth.

Patients must exercise care with composite bridges due to potential chipping. Adding a reinforced wire (Ribbond) increases bridge strength. Like Maryland bridges, composite bridges work best as temporary solutions, particularly for patients with periodontal disease who delay tooth removal. Regular polishing helps maintain the aesthetic appearance and prevents staining of the composite material.

5. Implant Supported Bridges:

Implant-supported bridges continue to gain popularity because they preserve adjacent natural teeth. These types of dental bridges rely solely on implants rather than requiring crown-covered tooth supports. The design allows for effective cleaning between implants while maintaining excellent stability. Modern implant materials integrate naturally with your bone tissue, creating a strong foundation for the bridge.

We recommend using two implants rather than three for bridge support. This configuration makes cleaning easier and reduces complications like peri-implantitis, where plaque accumulates under the gums and damages bone tissue. The spacing between implants allows for optimal hygiene access and long-term maintenance.

At Westcoast International Dental Clinic Vietnam, we value implant-supported bridges for their long-term benefits and ease of maintenance. Modern implant technology allows us to replace single teeth or entire arches using 4–6 strategically placed implants. With proper care and maintenance, these types of dental bridges can last a lifetime. Our surgical team uses advanced imaging technology to plan precise implant placement.

For suitable candidates with good bone quality, we can provide temporary bridge restoration in one day. To achieve this, we use the "All on 4" or "All on 6" techniques. These advanced procedures deliver immediate results while ensuring long-term stability. The treatment planning process includes detailed bone assessment and consideration of individual bite forces.

In the end

Each bridge type serves different oral situations and needs. While bridges may not match the effectiveness of dental implants in all cases, they remain a viable tooth replacement option. At Westcoast International Dental Clinic, we assess each case individually to determine the most suitable solution for your specific situation. Our team considers factors such as bone density, gum health, and lifestyle habits when recommending treatment options.

Dr. An leads our commitment to transparency and customized treatment plans. We ensure each patient receives optimal care tailored to their unique dental needs. Our modern facility combines advanced technology with experienced professionals to deliver exceptional results.

Types of Dental Bridges FAQ

Read More: 

• Dental Bridges
• Dental Implants

Partners:

• Maple Healthcare Chiropractic Clinic
• SIAN Skincare Laser Clinic