The Pros and Cons of Cantilever Bridges
Building a Better Smile with a Dental Cantilever Bridge
The first thing people notice about you is your smile, so it’s no wonder we spend so much time brushing, flossing and whitening. Unfortunately, life occasionally throws us a curveball that can result in missing teeth. Whether it be a literal curveball during a sports game or the result of poor oral health, nothing kills confidence faster than a missing tooth.
While that dark gap in the middle of your smile can be embarrassing and even inconvenient, you have options. There are a slew of dental treatments available to help you regain your self-confidence and flash your pearly whites in no time. Dental bridges, such as a dental cantilever bridge, are one of the most dependable methods for replacing lost teeth. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about this procedure, including cantilever dental bridge pros and cons so you can make the choice right for you.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge can revive your teeth's form, function, and appearance. Typically, a bridge comprises multiple crowns for the teeth on each side of the gap (known as abutment teeth), and a pontic tooth (or teeth) fills the middle area.
Pontics are false teeth manufactured out of gold, alloys, porcelain, or a mix of these materials.
Dental bridges are divided into three categories:
Traditional bridges
Cantilever bridges
Maryland bonded bridges
Dental cantilever bridges replace lost front teeth and are often composed of ceramic and metal or constructed entirely of ceramic. A dental cantilever bridge is distinguished from other bridges because it is only anchored on one side rather than both. Cantilever dental bridges are equally sturdy as their conventional counterparts when only one neighboring tooth supports the bridge.
The Pros and Cons of Cantilever Bridges
Depending on your needs, a cantilever bridge could be just what you need to revitalize your smile. Let’s take a look at the cantilever bridge pros and cons.
Pros of Dental Cantilever Bridges
Here are the most common reasons why you may opt for a cantilever in dentistry:
They aren't as intrusive. Because they only affect one other tooth, there is minimal disruption to the normal tooth surface. Cantilever bridges can also be reversible.
They look natural. Cantilever bridges are commonly utilized at the front of the mouth because they fit in almost perfectly with the surrounding teeth.
They are a less expensive option. Cantilever bridges are often more inexpensive than other bridges since they need minor construction and have fewer pieces overall.
They are durable. A cantilever bridge has a lower risk of degradation than a traditional bridge.
They are simple to install. Most cantilever bridge installations are so straightforward that they don't even require anesthesia, making them a popular choice among younger patients.
Cons of Dental Cantilever Bridges
As with any procedure, there are reasons not to do it. So why is a dental cantilever bridge not recommended for some? Here are a few cons to consider.
They aren't appropriate for everyone. Your mouth must satisfy a few specific standards before a cantilever bridge may be inserted, including having healthy gums and dental tissue. If you don’t meet the requirements, a cantilever bridge won’t be an option.
They're not always successful. Although cantilever bridges are known to endure for years, they are more likely to collapse if they are not fastened to the stronger teeth at the back of the mouth.
They have an increased risk of debonding. They have a slightly higher risk of cracking or debonding than conventional bridges because they are only supported on one side.
What to Expect if Getting a Cantilever Bridge
If you've decided on a dental cantilever bridge, you probably have a few questions as far as what to expect. While dental care uses the latest cutting-edge technology, there’s bound to be hesitancy when undergoing any dental treatment. To ensure that you go in with the right expectations, here is the most common course for getting a dental cantilever bridge:
The abutment teeth are prepped at the initial appointment for a dental bridge. Preparation entails removing a part of enamel from these teeth to make room for a crown to be fitted over them.
After that, imprints of the teeth serve as a model for a dental lab to create the bridge, pontic, and crowns. While your dental cantilever bridge is being created (or spring cantilever bridge dental treatment in the event you’re only replacing one tooth), your dentist will make a temporary bridge for you to wear to cover the exposed teeth and gums.
Your temporary bridge will be removed at the second appointment, and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be tested and adjusted as needed to obtain a correct fit. Checking the fit of the metal structure and bite may need many visits. This is based on the circumstances of each individual. If the dental bridge is a fixed bridge, your dentist may use temporary cement to hold it in place for a few weeks to ensure the correct fit. The bridge is fixed into place after a few weeks.
Dental Cantilever Bridge Maintenance
If you have a cantilever bridge, teeth should be maintained as usual. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to maintain proper oral hygiene and protect your natural teeth. Keeping food particles and germs out of your mouth might help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Cleaning under the bridge may require additional instruments, which your dentist or hygienist might prescribe.
Under the ideal circumstances, a cantilever bridge can help create an immaculate smile and acts as a successful method for replacing a lost tooth. If you ever require a new tooth, be sure to explore this option with your dentist.
Bottom Line
If you want to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of a dental cantilever bridge, call Gentry Dentistry. Our top-of-the-line services include the best cosmetic dentistry in SF. We believe that a combination of modern technology and a passion for dentistry are crucial for the ultimate patient experience. Schedule an appointment today and let’s create your perfect smile together.