Experience the Durability and Aesthetics of Cantilever Dental Bridges at Smiles for Life
At Smiles for Life, our Auburn, IN dentist, Dr. Nate Heffelfinger, prides himself on providing innovative dental solutions tailored to your unique needs. Among our wide range of restorative options, cantilever dental bridges stand out for their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Ideal for patients missing a single tooth, especially in areas where traditional bridges or implants might not be feasible, cantilever bridges offer a reliable and minimally invasive solution. Our experienced dental team utilizes advanced technology to custom-fit your cantilever bridge, providing a seamless and natural-looking smile.
Learn how this exceptional dental treatment can enhance your oral health and boost your confidence. Contact our Auburn dental office by calling 260-925-4290 for more information.
Please note we may not offer this service at our office.
What Are Cantilever Dental Bridges?
A cantilever dental bridge replaces a missing tooth when there’s only one adjacent supporting tooth. Unlike traditional bridges held in place by dental crowns on both adjacent teeth, a cantilever dental bridge only needs to be cemented to a crown on one side. The natural tooth that supports the crown is called the abutment tooth.
Cantilever bridges are typically made of a mix of ceramic and metal or entirely of ceramic material. They’re often used to replace a missing front tooth.
Benefits of Cantilever Dental Bridges
There are various benefits of cantilever dental bridges, including:
- Minimal Tooth Preparation: Cantilever dental bridges require minimal reduction of adjacent teeth. This means that the supporting teeth on one side of the gap undergo less alteration, preserving more of the tooth structure.
- Preservation of Tooth Integrity: With less reduction of adjacent teeth, you reduce the risk of damaging healthy tooth structure. This can lead to better long-term oral health for the supporting teeth.
- Effective for Small Gaps: Cantilever bridges are particularly useful when replacing a single missing tooth or in cases where there’s only one tooth adjacent to the gap. This makes them a practical solution for specific tooth replacement scenarios.
- Simple Procedure: The placement of a cantilever bridge typically involves a simpler procedure compared to more complex options like implant-supported bridges. This can result in a quicker and less invasive treatment process.
- Cost-Effective: Cantilever bridges can be a more cost-effective option than some alternatives like implant-supported bridges. This can make them a more accessible choice for patients with budget constraints.
- Less Healing Time: Since the procedure is less invasive, patients often experience shorter healing times and less postoperative discomfort., potentially leading to a quicker recovery and return to normal oral function.
How the Process Works
Initial Consultation
Schedule an appointment with your Auburn dentist to discuss your tooth replacement needs. During the consultation, Dr. Heffelfinger will evaluate your oral health, the condition of adjacent teeth, and the gap that needs to be filled.
Treatment Planning
If a cantilever bridge is suitable, Dr. Heffelfinger will develop your treatment plan. This plan will include considerations for the design of the bridge, material selection, and the overall approach to the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, your Auburn dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the missing tooth and the adjacent teeth. This ensures you are comfortable during the treatment.
Tooth Preparation
The adjacent tooth (or teeth) that will serve as support for the cantilever bridge will be prepared. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from the supporting tooth to create space for the bridge.
Impression Taking
Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be used to create a precise mold of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory to fabricate the bridge.
Temporary Bridge Placement
While your permanent bridge is being created, Dr. Heffelfinger places a temporary bridge to protect the prepared tooth and improve aesthetics.
Bridge Fabrication
A skilled dental laboratory technician will use the impressions to craft a custom-made cantilever bridge. They’ll design the bridge to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
Permanent Bridge Placement
Once the permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to Smiles for Life. The temporary bridge, if placed, will be removed, and the new cantilever bridge will be carefully fitted and adjusted as needed.
Bonding
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.
Final Adjustments
Your Auburn dentist will make any final adjustments to ensure that your new bridge feels comfortable and functions properly when you bite and chew.
Do You Need a Cantilever Dental Bridge?
Dr. Heffelfinger may recommend a cantilever bridge for patients for various reasons, including:
- Single Missing Tooth: Cantilever bridges are a viable option for individuals with a single missing tooth, especially when there’s only one tooth adjacent to the gap that can serve as support.
- Adjacent Tooth Strength: The adjacent tooth chosen for support should have good structural integrity and be free from significant dental issues like decay, gum disease, or extensive restorations.
- Small Gaps: Cantilever bridges work well for small gaps where only one tooth needs to be replaced. They are particularly effective when a traditional bridge with support on both sides isn’t feasible due to the lack of adjacent teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Enhance Your Smile with Cantilever Dental Bridges
Experience the benefits of a cantilever dental bridge at Smiles for Life, where your smile is our priority. Schedule your consultation today by calling 260-925-4290 to take the first step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile. Our team is proud to serve Indiana patients in Auburn, Waterloo, Garrett, Butler and the surrounding areas.