Traditional Dental Bridge:

A traditional dental bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth being held in place by dental crowns that have been cemented onto each of the abutment teeth. A traditional bridge is the most popular type of dental bridge and can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth.

Cantilever Dental Bridge:

Although similar to a traditional bridge, the pontic in a cantilever dental bridge is held in place by a dental crown that is cemented to only one abutment tooth. For a cantilever bridge, you only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap.

Maryland Dental Bridge:

Similar to a traditional bridge, Maryland dental bridges employ two natural abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap. However, while a traditional bridge uses dental crowns on the abutment teeth, a Maryland bridge uses a framework of either metal or porcelain that is bonded onto the backs of the abutment teeth.

Implant-supported Dental Bridge:

As the name implies, implant-supported bridges use dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Typically, one implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position. If one implant for each missing tooth isn't possible, the bridge may have a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns.

Both General and Cosmetic Dentistry are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile, but their primary focus differs. Here's a breakdown of what sets them apart:

- General Dentistry:

Your Smile's Guardian: General dentists prioritize the overall health and functionality of your teeth and mouth. Their services encompass preventive care like cleanings and examinations, diagnosing and treating oral diseases like cavities or gum disease, and restorative procedures like fillings, crowns, and bridges to repair damaged or missing teeth. While these procedures might improve the appearance of your smile as a secondary benefit, the main focus is on maintaining good oral health and ensuring your teeth function properly.

- Cosmetic Dentistry:

Enhancing Your Smile's Beauty: Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is all about aesthetics. These procedures aim to improve the look of your smile by addressing concerns like teeth discoloration, chips, gaps, misalignment, or uneven gum lines. Cosmetic dentists offer various treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and gum reshaping to create a more symmetrical, youthful, or brighter smile. While cosmetic procedures can indirectly benefit your oral health by boosting your confidence and potentially leading to better hygiene habits, their primary focus is on enhancing the visual appeal of your smile.