You are missing a tooth at the front of your mouth. You have heard about bridges, but the idea of crowning two healthy teeth feels like a lot. A cantilever bridge might be a simpler option.
What Is a Cantilever Bridge?
A dental bridge typically anchors to a tooth on each side of a gap. A cantilever bridge anchors to just one neighbouring tooth. That means your dentist only needs to prepare one healthy tooth rather than two.
The bridge extends out from that single anchor tooth, with a false tooth suspended in the gap. Think of it like a diving board balanced on one support rather than two.
When Does It Make Sense?
Cantilever bridges work best when the gap is small. A single missing tooth at the front of the mouth, where chewing forces are lower, is the most common situation.
The anchor tooth needs to be strong and healthy. If your neighbouring tooth already has a large filling or a crown, it may be well suited to supporting a cantilever bridge.
Because the forces on a cantilever bridge are uneven, your dentist will want to make sure your bite does not put too much pressure on the supporting tooth.
What Are the Limitations?
The main limitation is structural. With only one point of support, there is more leverage on the anchor tooth. Over time, this can cause the supporting tooth to loosen or the bridge to fail.
For back teeth, where chewing forces are much greater, a cantilever bridge is generally not recommended. Two-sided bridges or implants are usually better choices for molars.
How Is It Different from a Traditional Bridge?
A traditional bridge requires two healthy anchor teeth. Both are prepared and crowned. A cantilever bridge only needs one. This means less drilling of healthy tooth structure, which many patients prefer.
Both types of bridge are cemented in place permanently. Neither feels exactly like a natural tooth, but bridges are fixed and do not come out like dentures do.
What Is the Process?
Your dentist prepares the anchor tooth by shaping it to receive a crown. An impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge is fitted while your permanent one is made.
At a second visit, the permanent cantilever bridge is cemented in place. Your dentist checks the fit and your bite.
Is a Cantilever Bridge Right for You?
If you want a fixed solution for a single missing front tooth and would rather not involve two teeth, ask your dentist whether a cantilever bridge is appropriate. Your dentist will check the health of the anchor tooth and explain the pros and cons for your specific situation.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice