If you’re missing a front tooth and exploring options for restoration, a cantilever bridge dental may be an ideal solution. This type of bridge offers a practical way to restore the appearance and function of your smile without the need for invasive procedures like implants. Below, we’ll discuss when a cantilever bridge is the right choice, its advantages, drawbacks, and care tips to help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Cantilever Bridge Dental?
When it comes to any and all types of dental bridges, the one subcategory worth noting is cantilever bridge: a form of fixed dental prosthesis that anchors an artificial tooth or pontic on only a single supporting neighbour as opposed to the typical two. Cantilever bridges are supported by a single tooth on one side of the gap where traditional dental bridgework involves teeth lying on both sides while anchor to bridge.
When Should You Consider a Cantilever Bridge Dental?
A variety of conditions makes a cantilever bridge, but circumstances where it is often recommended include:
Missing front tooth (single): When replacing a single missing front tooth, this type of bridge tends to be the best solution as these teeth take less biting pressure than molars.
Limited support teeth: A cantilever bridge seems like a viable option when only one tooth is available next to the gap.
Good oral health: Healthy gums and good solid structural integrity of the abutment tooth are essential for success.
Aesthetics: It is the perfect solution for anyone that wants a treatment than restores their smile to how it should look.
A cantilever bridge (pictured above) is not recommended to replace molars or back teeth; these teeth endure the greater chewing forces which could undermine the stability of your bridge over time.
Advantages of Cantilever Bridges
Preserving Natural Teeth: This approach minimizes the need for extensive alterations to multiple teeth. Only the supporting tooth is prepared, allowing you to retain more of your natural tooth structure.
No Major Surgery Involved: Unlike implants, cantilever bridges require only minor adjustments to the supporting tooth, ensuring a more comfortable experience with faster recovery and less post treatment discomfort.
Cost Efficient: Cantilever bridges are generally more affordable than implants, making them a practical choice for patients mindful of their budget.
Fast Installation: The entire process usually involves just a few dental visits for tooth preparation, impressions, and placing the permanent bridge.
Potential Drawbacks
The abutment crank has a low strength limit, as it all leans on one tooth which can put extra stress to the supporting structure hence lead into deliberate or accidental failure later.
Limited to Anterior Bridge: This type of bridge is not recommended for the back teeth (molars) which are exposed to heavy biting.
Likelihood of Bone Resorption: By spacing the jaw’s normal bone, a disadvantage of non bridged bridges is that they could slowly lose their teeth.
Potential harm to the abutment tooth: After a while, single abutment teeth may wear and fracture as a result of asymmetrical loading.
Procedure Overview
1st Appointment: The dentist examines your mouth and determines if the adjacent tooth can support an implant supported bridge.
Tooth Preparation: A small amount of enamel is removed from the abutment tooth to make space for a crown that secures the bridge.
Impressions and Temporary Bridge: The dentist takes impressions of your teeth to create a custom bridge, which is sent to the lab for fabrication. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared tooth in the meantime.
Fitting the Permanent Bridge: Once the permanent bridge is ready, it is adjusted for comfort and securely bonded using dental cement.
Caring for Your Cantilever Bridge Dental
Proper dental hygiene is the key for a longer lifespan of a cantilever bridge, which can last 5 to even up to 15 years. Here are a few tips:
Do brush and floss routinely: Focus on cleaning the area around the bridge to prevent oral plaque from increasing.
Hard Foods: Refrain from chewing hard or sticky foods, as these can fracture the bridge and damage the supporting teeth.
Wear a Mouthguard: If you clench or grind your teeth, wearing a night guard will help prevent excessive wear on the bridge.
Regular dental check ups: See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams to ensure the bridge stays in good condition.
Alternatives to Cantilever Bridges
If a cantilever bridge isn’t suitable for your needs, there are other options available:
Maryland Bridge: Another alternative to Maryland Bridge is implemented without having putting crowns on the supporting (abutment) teeth. Instead, the replacement tooth is anchored with a metal or porcelain framework (often called “wings”) that clamps to both sides of the back surfaces of two other teeth. The minimally invasive nature of this design helps protect the structural integrity of your abutment teeth, while still affording you with a functional and beautiful replacement for whatever tooth was previously missing.
Traditional Bridges: Supported by crowns on both sides of the gap, offering greater stability but requiring more tooth preparation.
Dental Implants: A durable and long term solution but more invasive and expensive.
Partial Dentures: A removable option for those with multiple missing teeth.
The Bottom Line
If you have only one adjacent tooth and are looking for a less invasive, cost effective way to restore your front teeth, then a non invasive cantilever bridge dental would be an excellent option. On the one hand, there are many benefits to using resin like minimal tooth preparation and an esthetic look at any stage of wear, but it does have several constraints, especially for high pressure areas (like with back teeth). Without question, the best way to decide if this is right for you and your long term dental health care would be to consult with a dentist.
