Cantilever Dental Bridges in Fort Worth, TX

Please note we may not offer this service at our office. Call (817) 236-8771 to learn more.

Cantilever Tooth Bridges: A Unique Solution for Missing Teeth

Cantilever dental bridges offer a distinctive approach to tooth replacement, anchoring to just one abutment tooth, unlike traditional bridges. This makes them ideal for replacing a single missing tooth or when there’s only one tooth on one side of the gap. Call our top dentist in Fort Worth, TX, today at (817) 236-8771 to learn more about how dental bridges can revitalize your smile!

What Are Cantilever Dental Bridges?

A cantilever bridge is a dental restoration that replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to a crown on adjacent teeth, unlike a traditional bridge which relies on two natural teeth. It’s often used for front teeth and is made of ceramic and metal or all-ceramic.

Benefits of Cantilever Dental Bridges

Cantilever bridges offer several advantages to replace a missing tooth:

• Minimal tooth preparation: They preserve more of your natural tooth structure, reducing the risk of damage to healthy teeth.
• Effective for small gaps: They are particularly suitable for replacing a single missing tooth or in cases where there’s only one tooth adjacent to the gap.
• Simple procedure: The placement of a cantilever bridge is generally less invasive and involves a quicker recovery time compared to more complex options like implant-supported bridges.
• Cost-effective: Cantilever bridges can be a more affordable choice compared to some alternatives, making them a more accessible option for patients with budget constraints.
• Less healing time: The less invasive nature of the procedure often results in shorter healing times and reduced postoperative discomfort, allowing patients to return to normal oral function sooner.

How the Cantilever Bridge Process Works

Cantilever bridges are a type of bridge construction where the bridge deck extends outwards from supports at either end. This design is often used in areas where there are obstacles, such as rivers or valleys, that make traditional bridge construction difficult.

Here’s a breakdown of the cantilever bridge process:

1. Site Preparation:

   • The construction site is cleared and prepared for the bridge foundation. This often involves driving piles into the ground to provide a solid base.

2. Foundation Construction:

   • The foundation is built at each end of the bridge, providing support for the cantilevered spans. This can involve constructing piers or abutments.

3. Cantilever Construction:

   • The bridge deck is built section by section, extending outwards from each foundation. Each section is supported by the previously constructed section, creating a cantilevered structure.
   • Temporary supports, such as falsework, are often used to hold the cantilevered sections in place during construction.

4. Center Span Construction:

   • Once the cantilevered sections have been extended to the desired length, the center span is constructed. This is usually a prefabricated section that is lifted into place and connected to the cantilevered sections.

5. Finishing Touches:

   • The bridge is completed with the addition of railings, lighting, and other necessary features.

Do You Need a Cantilever Dental Bridge?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do they last? 

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, cantilever dental bridges can last many years, often a decade or more. However, individual experiences may vary.

Are they permanent?

Yes, cantilever dental bridges are considered a permanent dental restoration. Once placed and bonded, they become a fixed part of your mouth. However, like all dental work, they may require occasional adjustments or replacements over time due to normal wear or changes in oral health.

Regain Your Full Smile with Cantilever Dental Bridges

Cantilever dental bridges offer a unique and effective solution for individuals facing tooth replacement challenges. By capitalizing on the strength of a single adjacent tooth, they provide a simpler procedure, reduced invasiveness, and cost-effective outcomes.   

Contact Lake Country Dental in Fort Worth, TX, today at (817) 236-8771 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Snider. We also welcome patients from Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Irving.