For those with missing teeth, a dental bridge is an effective and relatively affordable solution. Unlike more invasive and time-consuming teeth replacement options, such as dental implants or dentures, dental bridges are less invasive and restore your smile in only a few visits.

When it comes to getting a dental bridge, there are several options available. Trying to understand the different types of bridges, their advantages, and their drawbacks can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the four types of dental bridges to help you find the right bridge for you.

Traditional Dental Bridge

The traditional bridge is the most common dental bridge. Like every bridge on this list, the traditional bridge bridges tooth gaps with a row of false teeth. As long as you have healthy teeth on either side of your tooth gap, these teeth can be used to support the dental bridge.

The traditional dental bridge procedure involves shaping your healthy teeth to receive two dental crowns. These crowns are attached to the dental bridge and hold the bridge securely in place, so it blends in nicely with your natural teeth. This type of bridge is especially effective for back teeth.

Maryland Bridge

Maryland bridges are the least invasive type of dental bridge. Instead of using dental crowns for support, the Maryland bridge consists of a metal frame that attaches to the backs of existing teeth. This requires much less modification to the natural teeth. While the Maryland bridge isn’t as resilient as the traditional dental bridge, it’s an ideal bridge for replacing front teeth.

Pros:

• Minimally invasive 
• Less expensive on average
• Ideal for replacing front teeth

Cons:

• Not as resilient as the traditional dental bridge
• Too weak for back teeth
• While not visible from the front, the metal framework may appear unnatural

Cantilever Bridge

While not the most versatile dental bridge, the cantilever bridge requires less modification to natural teeth and can work perfectly well in certain situations. Unlike traditional dental bridges, cantilever bridges only attach to one healthy tooth instead of two. However, because the cantilever bridge uses only one tooth as support, it isn’t as strong as the other types of dental bridges. For this reason, most dentists only recommend the cantilever bridge for replacing incisors

Pros:

• Less invasive than traditional bridges
• Ideal for incisors
• Less expensive than traditional bridges

Cons:

• Weakest dental bridge
• Requires more tooth modification than the Maryland bridge

Implant-Supported Bridge

Unlike the other dental bridges on this list, implanted-supported bridges don’t use a metal framework. Instead, these bridges are integrated with dental implants.

While implant-supported bridges are exceptionally sturdy, dental implants require extensive surgical modification to the mouth and jawbone. Most dentists only recommend this type of dental bridge for patients who need to replace multiple teeth. While implant-supported bridges can be time-consuming and expensive, they can also save you money by reducing the number of dental implants needed to replace missing teeth.

Pros:

• The strongest dental bridge
• Saves money for patients who need to replace multiple teeth

Cons:

• Dental implants are significantly invasive, time-consuming, and costly
• Most expensive type of dental bridge

Which Dental Bridge Should You Get?

The type of dental bridge that works best for your dental situation should be determined by you and your dentist. If you’re interested in getting a dental bridge, we recommend making an appointment at our dental office in Hamilton. During your initial consultation, our dentist will go over the best dental bridge options for you and supply you with an accurate estimate of the cost of your dental bridge procedure.