A cantilever bridge
Fabricated on models
A healthy smile

Cantilever Bridge

What is a cantilever bridge?

A cantilever bridge is used to replace a missing tooth when healthy teeth are available to provide support on one side of the space. A "cantilever" is a structure that is supported at one end and carries the load at the other end, like a balcony that is supported by horizontal beams.

There are two parts to a cantilever bridge. The part that replaces the missing tooth is called the pontic. On one side, the pontic is attached to the abutment. The abutment is one or more hollow, tooth-shaped crowns that fit over the adjacent teeth to hold the bridge in place.

The first visit

We want the entire procedure of getting a bridge to be comfortable for you, so first we make sure that your mouth is thoroughly numb. To prepare your teeth for the bridge,we remove any decay and use the dental handpiece to shape the adjacent teeth precisely.

Next we make an impression, which gives us an accurate working model of your mouth and allows us to re-create your natural bite. A dental laboratory uses the model to fabricate a bridge that will fit your teeth precisely. To help us make a more accurate impression,we may put a small piece of string in the space between your teeth and gums. We use this string to gently push the gums away from your teeth.

Finally,we place a temporary bridge, which you will wear while the laboratory creates your custom bridge.

The second visit

During your second and final visit,we remove the temporary bridge and try in your new bridge. We check the fit and your bite, and when everything looks good,we cement your new cantilever bridge in place.