A dental bridge is a common option to replace a missing tooth (or two).
There are three types of bridges
- Conventional bridge
This is the traditional bridge. It consists of (1) pontic; the false tooth that fills the void left by the missing tooth and (2) dental crowns that are cemented onto abutment teeth on either side of the pontic. This relies on sound natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth/teeth. - Cantilever
Unlike a conventional bridge, the pontic that replaces the missing tooth is held by a dental crown on only one abutment tooth. Although this requires only one sound natural tooth adjacent to the missing tooth, it places more pressure on the supporting tooth. - Maryland
Unlike traditional and cantilever bridges, a Maryland bridge uses a framework (“wing” extension) of either metal or porcelain that is bonded on the back surface of either one or two abutment teeth. Although the abutment teeth do not require crowns, retention is often an issue thus is more limited in its use.
