If you are in need of a dental bridge to replace some missing teeth, it is important to understand that you have a few different options when it comes to the type of bridge that is put into your mouth. Be sure to discuss all the dental bridge options below with your dentist so that you can choose the best possible dental bridge for your mouth and your budget. 

Dental Bridge Option #1: Traditional Bridge 

Your first option is a traditional dental bridge. This type of dental bridge is used to hold one or more false teeth in place with the use of a dental crown. To keep the fake teeth in place, dental crowns are cemented onto your permanent teeth that are next to your fake teeth on both sides. The apparatus used to attach them is called an abutment.  

A traditional dental bridge can only be used if you have nearby teeth, next to where you had a tooth pulled, that are in good condition and can support a dental bridge. You need healthy teeth on both sides of the removed tooth. Applying a dental crown to healthy teeth will change your permanent teeth, so you want to keep this in mind if you choose this option.  

Dental Bridge Option #2: Cantilever Bridges 

Your second option is a cantilever bridge. A cantilever bridge is essentially the same as a traditional bridge; however, instead of attaching a dental crown to hold the bridge in place on both sides of the fake teeth, the dental crown is only placed on one tooth. So with a cantilever bridge, you only need a single natural tooth in good shape to support the dental bridge.  

Dental Bridge Option #3: Implant-Supported Bridges 

A dental implant-supported bridge is used when you have multiple missing teeth in a row or in a part of your mouth. With this method, a series of implants and dental bridges are created. For example, you will have one tooth implanted into your gum, and then an open space, and then another implanted tooth. The open space will be filled with a false tooth that is anchored in place by the dental implants. So instead of getting all dental implants to replace your false teeth, you'll get a combination of dental implants and dental bridges. Getting lots of dental implants can be a lot for your gums to handle, so this is a good alternative if you lost a lot of teeth.  

There are not all of your dental bridge options, but they are some of the most commonly used dental bridge options, which is why you should be sure to discuss your options with your dentist so you get the best cosmetic dental bridge for your specific needs.