14 Jun What Are Cantilever Dental Bridges?
If you are missing one or more teeth in a row, getting a dental bridge is one way to fill the gap. But not all bridges are alike. While a standard dental bridge is anchored to the teeth on either side, a cantilever bridge is only anchored on one side.
This means they can be used for replacing teeth like the back molars, when there is no tooth on the other side. The can also be used when one of the teeth next to the gap is unable to support a standard dental bridge.
But how do cantilever bridges work? Are they even right for me? Where can I get one, anyway? Our dentists answer all of these questions and more.
How Do Cantilever Dental Bridges Work?
A cantilever bridge is a false tooth that is supported by a crown on the nearest healthy tooth. The restoration typically takes one or two visits, depending on the technology used. If your dentist has a CAD/CAM device, they will be able to complete your bridge the same day.
Here’s what happens during the restoration procedure:
- Your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure they are ready.
- The tooth next to the gap will be prepared to serve as the anchor for the bridge.
- Next, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth (or scan them digitally) to design a bridge that matches your existing teeth and fits the space perfectly.
- Once the bridge is ready, it is cemented into place using special bonding material that is safe for your mouth, but strong enough to hold a tooth in place.
Cantilever bridges that replace two or more teeth can also be supported by a single dental implant. This way, there’s no need for capping a healthy tooth with a crown. If you are interested in getting an implant-supported bridge, schedule a consultation at Hicks Dental Group!
Is a Cantilever Dental Bridge Right for Me?
No matter what type of bridge you need, replacing missing teeth is always a good idea. A bridge will help you retain normal speech patterns, chew healthy foods, and stop your other teeth from shifting. Here’s how to tell if a cantilever bridge is the right option.
1: You are missing no more than three teeth.
Cantilever dental bridges can replace three missing teeth at most. They are not strong enough to support more than three false teeth. If you are missing more than three teeth in a row, you will need a standard bridge. If that is not an option, a partial denture or implant-supported bridge may be necessary.
2: There is only one tooth that can act as an anchor.
Having only one healthy tooth on either side of the missing teeth means a cantilever bridge is the right type for you. If you need to replace a back molar, or if one of the neighboring teeth is too weak, then a cantilever dental bridge is the right choice.
3: You’ve consulted a qualified dentist.
Consulting a dentist is important, because only they can tell you whether or not a cantilever bridge will work. In many cases, another type of restoration might be better. At Hicks Dental Group, we’ll discuss all of your tooth replacement options with you in detail, so you can make the right decision.
Where to Get a Cantilever Dental Bridge in Prescott, Arizona
If you need to replace a missing tooth, a cantilever dental bridge could be right for you! When you schedule a consultation, we’ll examine your mouth closely and discuss all the treatment options available. Contact us to book an appointment, and take the next step toward restoring your smile.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/11/25). Photo by Ozkan Guner on Unsplash