The loss of a tooth may impact how you chew comfortably and the positioning of your teeth. Luckily, there are several proven methods of replacing missing teeth in modern dentistry, and the cantilever dental bridge is one of these methods.
A cantilever bridge is also designed differently because it is anchored on only one side, unlike a traditional bridge that needs support on both sides of a gap. Although it may be a great choice in certain circumstances, it is a solution that requires careful planning by your dentist to be successful in the long run.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the cantilever dental bridge, including the step-by-step process, its advantages and disadvantages, and whether it could be the right option for you.
An Overview of a Cantilever Dental Bridge
A cantilever dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthetic that is applied to replace a missing tooth when only one healthy adjacent tooth is available to support the bridge. It is a custom form of restoration that provides a solution where a conventional bridge is not an option. To get a better idea of this, it is helpful to imagine the structure and the difference it has with other possibilities.
The Core Structure
A cantilever bridge is anchored on one side but protrudes into the open area with nothing to hold it up on the other. This special design consists of several essential elements. The artificial tooth that replaces the missing tooth is called the pontic. The pontics are usually made of ceramic or porcelain.
The only support of the bridge is the healthy, natural tooth next to the gap, which is referred to as the abutment. Finally, a dental crown is customized to fit the abutment tooth and cemented to the tooth to hold the pontic. The bridge structure connects the pontic to the crown, providing the necessary structural support.
The Difference Between a Cantilever Bridge and a Traditional Bridge
The support system is the primary difference between a cantilever and a conventional bridge. A traditional bridge is anchored by crowns on both sides of the missing tooth, creating a balanced and stable bridge. On the other hand, a cantilever bridge is supported by a single abutment tooth on one side.
This unilateral support renders it a more conservative procedure since only one of the neighboring teeth should be prepared. Nonetheless, this design also implies that it can only be used in parts of the mouth less prone to chewing pressure, which is why your dentist's choice of cases is paramount.
When is a Cantilever Bridge the Right Clinical Choice?
You are strongly advised not to place a cantilever bridge on your premolars or molars. The chewing forces at the back of your mouth are far more powerful than those at the front, and these powerful forces can easily overwhelm a single supporting tooth. This can lead to the bridge's failure, the pontic breakage, or even the abutment tooth.
When you have only one missing tooth and no healthy tooth on one side, a cantilever bridge is often a choice. This can occur when you lose the final tooth of your dental arch. It may also be used as an alternative in cases where dental implants cannot be used due to health reasons, bone density limitations, or financial limitations. A cantilever bridge is most appropriate and commonly placed in the front of the mouth, known as the aesthetic zone, where it can be used to restore your smile without exposure to the heavy chewing forces.
To have a successful long-term cantilever bridge, your oral health should be able to meet some strict demands. The restoration must ideally be restricted to front teeth, including incisors and laterals. With minimal overjet or overbite, your bite or occlusion should be perfect, so the chewing forces are evenly distributed.
You should also not have parafunctional habits, like teeth grinding or clenching, that can lead to excessive stress on the single abutment tooth and failure. The abutment tooth should be healthy, with a good crown-to-root ratio and no decay or gum disease.
Cantilever Bridges Are Not Used for Molars
You should not place a cantilever bridge on your premolars or molars. The chewing power in the back of your mouth is far more than that in the front, and the powerful forces can easily overwhelm a single supporting tooth. This can lead to the bridge's failure, the pontic's cracking, or even the abutment tooth's destruction.
The Step-by-Step Procedure
Obtaining a cantilever bridge is a painstaking procedure that usually takes two or more visits to the dentist. The first step of your journey will be an initial consultation, during which your dentist will comprehensively assess your oral health. This involves the X-rays and evaluation of the status of the possible abutment tooth.
Following this assessment, your dentist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan will outline the bridge's design, the material used, and the process. The abutment tooth will be prepared when the plan is ready. This is done by removing a small and precise amount of its enamel to create space to accommodate the crown holding the bridge.
Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will make precise impressions or digital scans of the region. These impressions are used to create your custom-fit bridge in a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge can be placed as your permanent bridge is being prepared to cover the prepared tooth and maintain the look of your smile.
When your permanent bridge is ready, you will return to have the final fitting. The temporary bridge is removed, and the new cantilever bridge is placed and adjusted to fit properly to create a comfortable and proper fit. Your dentist will evaluate your bite and refine it where necessary.
Lastly, when the fit is perfected, the bridge is permanently cemented or bonded in position. Once the bridge has been secured, you will be given post-placement care instructions, and your dentist will book follow-up visits to check the health of your new restoration.
The Pros and Cons of a Cantilever Bridge
Like any other dental procedure, one should consider the pros and cons of a cantilever bridge. Knowing the pros and cons will enable you to make an informed choice in consultation with your dentist.
The Pros of a Cantilever Bridge
Among the most significant advantages of a cantilever bridge is that it is a less invasive process than a traditional bridge. Since only a single tooth is prepared, a greater portion of your natural tooth structure is retained. Cantilever bridges can aesthetically offer a natural appearance that will match almost perfectly with your surrounding teeth, which is particularly useful in the case of missing front teeth.
Financially, a cantilever bridge can be cheaper than dental implants since it is less complicated and not a surgical procedure. Cantilever bridges have proven to be very long-lasting when appropriately maintained and under the right conditions, and some studies have shown that they have a high survival rate even after several years.
The Disadvantages and Potential Risks
The main disadvantage of a cantilever bridge is that it uses only one supporting tooth. This unilateral support causes an imbalance in the chewing forces, increasing the burden on the abutment tooth. With time, this may cause greater wear, loosening, or fracture of the supporting tooth. Because of this, the chances of long-term failure or the bridge becoming loose increase, particularly when it is not accurately diagnosed, carefully treated, and regularly monitored by your dentist.
Comparing Cantilever Bridges to Other Tooth Replacement Solutions
It is helpful to compare a cantilever bridge to other popular tooth replacement options. A conventional dental bridge is more stable since it is anchored on both sides; however, it necessitates the preparation of two neighboring teeth. Another conservative alternative is a Maryland bridge, which is made of metal or porcelain and bonds to the back of an adjacent tooth. Nevertheless, it is usually only applicable to low-stress regions.
Dental implants are usually regarded as the gold standard of tooth replacement. It is a surgical procedure that entails inserting a titanium post into the jawbone that serves as the root of a replacement tooth. Implants are the most long-lasting solution, and they maintain the density of the jawbone, but they are also more costly and take longer to treat and heal.
Lastly, a removable partial denture is the least expensive, yet it is not a fixed solution and is not as stable and comfortable as a bridge or an implant.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing
A cantilever dental bridge may cost between 2,000 and 5,000 dollars. The price can vary depending on the material used to construct the bridge, the difficulty of the installation, and where you live.
Many dental insurance plans will help pay part of the cost of a dental bridge, usually classifying it as a major restorative procedure. The coverage will, however, depend on your plan. If you are worried about the price, you can discuss the possible payment plans or financing opportunities with your dentist's office to make the treatment more affordable.
Long-Term Care and Longevity
A cantilever bridge can be a permanent solution with proper care and appropriate conditions. Dental bridges typically last five to fifteen years. Nevertheless, studies have demonstrated that properly maintained cantilever bridges may have a high survival rate, with some lasting up to 18 years and beyond.
You must be dedicated to good oral hygiene to ensure your bridge lasts as long as possible. This involves brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. It is imperative to clean under the pontic to avoid the formation of plaque that may cause decay in the abutment tooth or gum disease.
Your dentist can prescribe special equipment, such as floss threaders or a water flosser, to make it easier to clean this area. You must also not chew hard or sticky foods using your bridge and have regular dental checkups every six months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does it hurt to get a cantilever bridge?
The process is not usually painful, with a local anesthetic being applied to make your experience comfortable when the abutment tooth is prepared. You might have discomfort or soreness afterward, but this should be easily treated with over-the-counter pain medication.
How do I care for a cantilever dental bridge?
Maintaining a cantilever bridge requires daily oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing. When cleaning around the bridge and under the pontic, special care should be taken. Regular dental checkups are also necessary to keep track of the bridge's condition.
What is the life of a cantilever dental bridge?
Your oral hygiene habits, lifestyle, and materials determine the durability of a cantilever bridge. A well-maintained cantilever bridge can serve for several years with proper care and regular dental check-ups.
Does a cantilever dental bridge have dietary restrictions?
Although the cantilever bridges are stable in chewing, you should not apply too much force on the bridge. It is recommended that people stop biting hard things and be careful about some foods that can put too much pressure on their jaws.
Are cantilever dental bridges insured?
Cantilever bridges may or may not be insurable. You should also verify with your insurance company to know the coverage you have and the out-of-pocket expenses you might incur. Your dentist can also help you by giving information on your insurance claims.
Locate a Dental Clinic Near Me
The cantilever dental bridge is a helpful tool in restorative dentistry, specialized for a particular issue. Although it provides a more conservative and frequently less costly alternative to other methods, its success relies on the proper case selection by a competent dental practitioner.
You should not use a cantilever bridge without thoroughly analyzing and consulting your dentist. They can evaluate your personal needs, bite, and general oral health to decide whether you are eligible. A cantilever bridge can effectively serve you for many years with the proper planning and care.
To thoroughly assess Encino, CA, and discuss your restorative dentistry options, including cantilever bridges, call Lasting Impressions Dental Spa at 818-751-5100. Our team will assist you in deciding the most appropriate treatment to regain your smile and confidence.
