Dental Bridges in Bergen County, NJ

Dental Associates of Lodi provide dental bridges in Bergen County, NJ. Call 862-247-8030 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the average adult in the United States has three teeth that are missing or badly decayed. Fortunately, modern dentistry provides quite a few solutions for missing or failing teeth, including dental bridges.

A dental bridge is an excellent solution for those who are missing one or more teeth in a row. Abutments are crowns that support the bridge on either the natural teeth or implants at either end of the run of missing teeth. Pontics are synthetic teeth that replace the missing teeth. The bridge abutments are carefully cemented to the natural teeth or the implants, creating a durable, long-lasting restoration that is permanently affixed in the mouth. With proper care, a dental bridge can last for decades.

Dental bridges can be classified in four distinct types. Different types of bridges are appropriate for different dental situations.

A traditional dental bridge remains the most common type of all. In this case, the healthy teeth at both ends of the bridge are prepared to accept crowns, providing a strong and stable support structure for the pontics.

A cantilever bridge is anchored on one natural tooth at one end of the bridge. It can be an ideal choice under certain conditions, but is not usually the best option for replacement teeth that will take heavy biting or chewing forces. Since the bridge is not anchored on both sides, forces are not distributed. This heightens the risk of fracture or shifting in the anchoring tooth.

A Maryland bridge is a reasonably stable choice for teeth that are not under heavy stress from biting or chewing. It preserves the natural tooth structure, because the bridge is supported by a metal structure bonded to the backs of the natural teeth. There is some risk of shifting the natural teeth due to the additional pressure.

An implant supported bridge is rapidly becoming the gold standard for dental bridges. A sliver of biocompatible titanium is inserted into the jawbone at each end of the span of missing teeth, replacing the tooth roots. This provides a strong, secure, stable foundation for the bridge that does not put healthy teeth at risk. However, due to the need for oral surgery, this is the most expensive type of dental bridge. Dental insurance may or may not cover an implant supported bridge, depending on medical necessity and the specifics of your policy.

Each type of dental bridge has its own pros and cons, and different dental situations call for different solutions. Dr Steven Liao will carefully evaluate your teeth, discuss your budget and goals of treatment with you, and help you make the right choice for your own unique situation.

Contact our office at 862-247-8030 to learn more about your restorative options and achieve the smile you have always wanted.