Missing teeth affect your chewing ability, clear speech, and confidence about your smile. It is a common problem, and it can feel frustrating when you’re not sure what solution is best.
Dental bridges provide a secure and permanent means of fixing your teeth. If you’re looking into dental bridges near you, it’s important to understand the different types available. With the proper dental advice and care, you can choose the bridge that fits your needs, your life, and your budget.
This blog outlines the alternatives so that you can make the right choice in consultation with your dental team.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that is utilized to fill in one or more missing teeth. It literally “bridges” the gap caused by missing teeth by supporting adjacent natural teeth or implants.
A bridge restores function, enhances speech, supports facial shape, and prevents shifting of other remaining teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges available today, every one of which has its positive aspects. Which one to opt for relies upon the position of the missing teeth, the state of the teeth surrounding them, and your personal preferences.
1. Traditional Dental Bridges
This is the most common type. It uses dental crowns on both sides of the missing tooth and a false tooth (pontic) in between. These crowns are placed over healthy teeth next to the gap.
2. Cantilever Bridges
Used when there’s only one healthy tooth next to the missing tooth. Less common today, this bridge style may be used in areas with low chewing pressure.
3. Maryland Bonded Bridges
This variety uses a metal or porcelain structure bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. It’s a conservative approach since it does not necessitate reshaping surrounding teeth.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges
They are anchored by dental implants and not natural teeth. They are extremely strong and are an excellent solution for the replacement of multiple teeth in a sequence.
Comparing the Bridge Types
Here is a quick overview to help you compare different types of dental bridges in Vancouver:
| Type | Support | Best For | Durability |
| Traditional Bridge | Crowns on both adjacent teeth | Most cases with strong neighbouring teeth | 10–15 years with care |
| Cantilever Bridge | A crown on one adjacent tooth | Back teeth with less chewing force | Moderate |
| Maryland Bonded Bridge | Metal/porcelain wings | Front teeth or conservative replacements | Less durable |
| Implant-Supported Bridge | Dental implants | Several missing teeth or weak neighbouring teeth | 15+ years with care |
What Are the Best Dental Bridge Options for Missing Teeth?
When deciding on dental bridge options for missing teeth, your dentist will look at a few things, like how many teeth are missing, your gum health, and how strong the nearby teeth are.
If you’re missing one or two teeth and have healthy adjacent teeth, a traditional bridge may work. But if you want a more durable and long-term fix, an implant-supported bridge might be the better fit.
What Do Dental Bridges Before and After Results Look Like?
Before treatment, patients often face difficulty eating, speaking clearly, or smiling confidently. After getting a dental bridge, function and appearance usually improve significantly.
In most cases, the results are natural-looking and blend in well with the rest of your teeth. Your dentist can show you the dental bridge before and after results during your consultation to help you understand what to expect.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
Whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, trauma, or gum disease, bridges offer a reliable fix.
A professional dentist in Vancouver can assess your needs, take X-rays, and guide you to the best type of bridge for your mouth. It’s essential to choose a solution that fits your lifestyle, oral health, and long-term goals.
How Do I Find the Right Dentist?
If you’re wondering, “How can you find the right dentist near you?” start by checking credentials, reading patient reviews, and asking about experience with restorative procedures.
A knowledgeable dentist will explain the pros and cons of each option clearly and help you feel at ease during treatment.
Wrapping Up!
If you’re dealing with missing teeth, dental bridges can give you back the confidence to eat, speak, and smile naturally. From traditional styles to implant-supported options, there’s a solution that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Bridge the Gap to Better Oral Health
Book your consultation with City Square Dental Center today and take the first step toward a healthier, more complete smile.