Dental Bridges in Oceanside

The traditional bridge is the most widely used design. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared and fitted with crowns, and one or more pontics are suspended between them. The crowns are permanently cemented onto the adjacent teeth (abutments), creating a stable, fixed restoration that closely mimics the look and function of natural teeth.

A cantilever bridge is similar in concept to a traditional bridge, but it is anchored on only one side rather than both. Because the pontic is supported by a single abutment, this design can create additional leverage on the supporting tooth. Your dentist will evaluate whether this option is appropriate based on the location of the gap and the strength of the neighboring tooth.

Rather than relying on natural teeth for support, an implant-supported bridge uses one or more dental implants as anchors. This is a popular choice that delivers a highly stable and long-lasting restoration. Because the implants integrate with the jawbone, they help preserve bone density and prevent the deterioration that often follows tooth loss.

A Maryland bridge (also called a resin-bonded bridge) is supported by a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back surfaces of the teeth adjacent to the gap. While this design is not as robust as a traditional bridge, it offers the advantage of preserving the structure of the neighboring teeth since they do not need to be crowned. Maryland bridges are often a suitable option for replacing front teeth where biting forces are lower. Dr. Sands will help determine whether this conservative approach is the right fit for your situation.