When a patient comes to us with one or more missing teeth, bridges are one of our first lines of treatment. As the name suggests, bridges comprise of two supports, or abutments, placed on surrounding teeth and one or more synthetic teeth, called pontics, between the supports. Bridges quite literally bridge the gap in your smile.

Of course, it’s not just about restoring a beautiful smile. When you’re missing teeth, it impacts your bite, your ability to chew, your speech, and even the shape of your face. If one of your molars has decayed to the point of needing extraction, it may be tempting not to make the investment to replace it, but the implications of this decision are far-reaching and sometimes difficult to reverse. Rest assured that most dental insurance plans cover the cost of bridges and there are bridge options that work for most budgets.

Types of Dental Bridges We Offer

Traditional Dental Bridge

The most common type of bridge, a traditional dental bridge cements crowns on two adjacent teeth as the abutments and bridges pontics in between them to replace one or more missing teeth.

Cantilever Bridge

This type of bridge is most often used when there is only one tooth adjacent to the missing tooth, as with third molars. Because the structure is only supported on one side instead of two, it has the potential to place stress on the supporting tooth, and thus is not an ideal solution in most cases.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Rather than using adjacent natural teeth to support a bridge, an Implant Supported Bridge uses one or more dental implants as abutments. When several adjacent teeth are missing or when natural teeth are not good candidates for receiving crowns, this type of bridge is a popular option.

Maryland Bridge

Named after the University of Maryland, where they were popularized, Maryland bridges are supported by a metal or porcelain framework that is cemented onto the abutment teeth. Because this framework does not require crowns on the adjacent teeth, a Maryland bridge is often a more affordable option, but it may need more frequent replacement as it is not as strong as a traditional bridge. Sometimes this type of device is called a resin-bonded bridge.

Schedule A Consultation

At Lowcountry Family Dentistry we help our patients restore their optimal oral health through patient education and high quality, modern dentistry. We invite new and returning patients to experience the difference of our consultative approach to your oral health. Our Beaufort SC area dentist office is equipped with state of the art dental technology and offers a comfortable, welcoming environment for you to enjoy.

To schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Covington or DuRant call our office at (843) 986-0177 or use our online form.