A cantilever bridge is a special type of fixed dental bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth on one side of the bridge only.  This differs from the traditional dental bridge in both design and function.  Whereas the traditional dental bridge secures the tooth replacement (called a pontic) firmly between two natural teeth, a cantilever bridge has to rely on one or more anchor teeth on one side only for fitting and stabilization of the pontic.

Cantilever bridges are made from gold, porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.  In many instances, a cantilever bridge may be the only kind of dental bridge that can be used in certain parts of the mouth.  This is particularly true in the front of the mouth, where teeth are especially susceptible to lower stress.

Placing a cantilever bridge

A cantilever bridge is custom made to fit the patients mouth.  Because of the level of detail required in its manufacture, it cannot be made in the dental office in a single visit.  It must be manufactured in a dental laboratory.  In order to ensure the very best fit, the patient needs to anticipate at least two trips to his or her Houston cosmetic dentist.   

During the initial appointment, the dentist prepares the teeth for dental bridgework.  He or she numbs the area around the reconstruction in order to make the patient feel more comfortable.  The dentist at this time will also place a rubber dam in the mouth to protect it during tooth preparation.

With a dental handpiece, the dentist then prepares the abutment teeth (abutment means teeth that support the bridge) by scraping away any decay and removing any plaque and tartar.  The dentist also removes just enough of the tooth surface so it can support the bridge.

After this, the take an impression of the patients existing teeth use sit to make a model of the patients mouth.  This model is an exact replica of the existing natural teeth.  It is then shipped off to the lab, where technicians use it to create a custom-sized cantilever bridge proportionally to the shape and contour of the individuals bite.

It will take a week or two for the lab to finish making the bridge.  During the interim time, the patient will need something to fill the space in his or her teeth.  This is why the dentist makes a temporary bridge.  The temporary bridge is every bit as important as the permanent bridge. 

This is because the patient cannot afford to have his or her abutment teeth slip even a little bit out of alignment while the lab is making the permanent version.  The temporary crown, temporary as it may be, ensures this will not happen.

The patients next appointment to the dental office will be for permanent fitting of the cantilever bridge.  At this time, the temporary bridge is removed, and the Houston cosmetic dentist initiates a series of tests to check on the fit of the new bridge.  The bridge is actually mounted in its intended location without being cemented, where it is checked for proper bite and fit.  When everything is determined to be correct, the dentist cements it in place.

The benefits of a cantilever bridge

This type of bridge offers Houston dental patients many advantages.  These benefits include, but are not limited, to the following:

It replaces the teeth that are needed for biting and chewing

It helps the individual speak more clearly.

It prevents remaining teeth from shifting in the individuals mouth.

The cantilever design requires less tooth preparation than traditional fixed bridge work.

With all of these benefits both affordable and readily available at the Houston Medical Center Dental Group, a person with missing teeth should never deny himself or herself an opportunity to gain a better smile, eat normally and comfortably, and enjoy many years to come of optimal dental health.

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont, Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic dentistry services