Please note we may not offer this service at our office. Call 931-486-0700 to learn more.
In the realm of restorative dentistry, numerous cutting-edge solutions have been developed to tackle the issues caused by missing teeth. Among these, cantilever dental bridges stand out as a unique method for tooth replacement. Unlike traditional bridges that require support from both sides of a gap, cantilever bridges are distinctively designed to anchor to only one adjacent tooth.
Discover our cantilever dental bridges guide with our Spring Hill, TN dentist by calling 931-486-0700.
A cantilever dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth when there’s only one supporting tooth adjacent to the gap. Unlike traditional bridges, which are secured on both sides by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth, a cantilever dental bridge is cemented to a crown on just one side. The tooth next to the artificial tooth is referred to as the abutment tooth.
Cantilever bridges are commonly made from ceramic and metal or entirely from ceramic. They are often utilized to replace a missing front tooth.
Cantilever dental bridges offer several advantages, such as:
Arrange a meeting with your Spring Hill, TN dentist to discuss your tooth replacement requirements. During this consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health, the condition of adjacent teeth, and the gap that needs filling.
If a cantilever bridge is deemed appropriate, your dentist will create a treatment plan. This plan will cover the design of the bridge, material choice, and the overall approach to the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the missing tooth and adjacent teeth, ensuring your comfort during the treatment.
The adjacent tooth (or teeth) that will support the cantilever bridge will be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel from the supporting tooth to accommodate the bridge.
Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be used to create an accurate mold of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory for bridge fabrication.
While your permanent bridge is being crafted, your dentist may place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared tooth and enhance aesthetics.
A skilled dental laboratory technician will use the impressions to create a custom-made cantilever bridge. The bridge will be designed to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
Once the permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office. The temporary bridge, if placed, will be removed, and the new cantilever bridge will be carefully fitted and adjusted as needed.
The bridge will be bonded to the prepared adjacent tooth using dental cement. The dentist will ensure that the fit is comfortable and that your bite is properly aligned with the new bridge.
Your dentist will make any final adjustments to ensure that your new bridge feels comfortable and functions properly when you bite and chew.
Your dentist might suggest a cantilever bridge for various reasons, including:
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, cantilever dental bridges can last many years, potentially a decade or more. The lifespan of a cantilever dental bridge can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene practices, the quality of the bridge materials, and the health of the supporting tooth. However, individual experiences may differ.
Yes, cantilever dental bridges are considered a permanent dental restoration. Once the bridge is placed and bonded to the adjacent tooth, it becomes a fixed part of your mouth. However, like all dental work, they might require occasional adjustments or replacements over time due to normal wear or changes in oral health.
Cantilever dental bridges, with their distinct design and benefits, provide a tailored solution for individuals facing specific tooth replacement challenges. By capitalizing on the strength of a single adjacent tooth, cantilever bridges offer a simpler procedure, reduced invasiveness, and cost-effective outcomes.
Contact Dentistry by Design today by calling 931-486-0700 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stunning smile. We look forward to seeing new and returning patients from Spring Hill and the surrounding areas of Bethesda, Thompson’s Station, and Jameson, TN.
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