Cantilever bridge replaces missing teeth
 
When a tooth is missing, a cantilever bridge can be a good choice for replacing it. Like all bridges, the artificial tooth in a cantilever bridge uses the support of neighboring teeth to stay in place. But unlike traditional bridges, a cantilever bridge attaches to teeth on only one side of the space. A cantilever bridge can be made of porcelain, gold or porcelain fused-to-metal.


 

Placing a cantilever bridge

A cantilever bridge is made in a dental laboratory, so it may take two or more appointments to complete your bridge. On your first visit, we numb the area to make you comfortable. We may also use a rubber dam to protect your mouth while we work. We use the handpiece to remove any decay and shape the teeth that will support the bridge. Then we take an impression of your teeth. A model of your mouth is made  from this impression, and then the lab uses the model to create a bridge that precisely fits your teeth and bite. In the meantime, we often place a temporary bridge.  On your next visit, we remove the temporary bridge and begin a series of steps to confirm the fit of your new bridge. We try in the final bridge and check the fit and your bite. When everything is right, we bond or cement it in place. 


The benefits of a cantilever bridge
  

Cantilever bridges have several advantages.They 

• replace teeth for biting and chewing.
• assist in clear speech.
• help prevent teeth from shifting
• often require less tooth preparation than traditional bridges.

When you need to replace a missing tooth, a cantilever bridge can be a functional, good-looking solution.