If you're missing one or more teeth, you may have experienced difficulties as a result. Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew, and you may even feel embarrassed by the gap in your teeth. However, you should know that you have options for tooth restoration. A dental bridge is a minimally invasive option that can give you back full function in your mouth. Here are three common types of dental bridges available:

1. Traditional Dental Bridges

This is the most common type of dental bridge. A false tooth is held in place by dental crowns. These two crowns are placed over the teeth surrounding the gap in your mouth. The crowns are attached just like any other dental crowns, which means your dentist will first need to reduce the size of your remaining teeth to accommodate the size of the crowns themselves. This means that you will need to have dental crowns over those teeth for the rest of your life since the removed enamel will not grow back.

2. Maryland Dental Bridges

If you don't like the idea of having your teeth reduced in size to accommodate dental crowns, a Maryland dental bridge is an option for you to consider. With this type of dental bridge, a false tooth is attached to your adjacent teeth using bonding adhesive. It's attached to the back of your teeth by metal wings which are connected to the false tooth. While this type of bridge is the least invasive, the metal pieces of the bridge may show through your teeth, according to My New Smile.

3. Cantilever Dental Bridges

In some cases, you may be missing one of your back molars. A traditional bridge is not an option in this case since there is only one adjacent tooth available. In this instance, your dentist may choose to install a cantilever dental bridge. This bridge holds a false tooth in your mouth using only one crown. While this arrangement makes it ideal for replacing back molars, the use of a single crown can mean it's less stable than a traditional bridge. Over time, your crown may become loose due to the pressure placed on it by chewing.

The type of bridge you select will depend on your needs and the arrangement and health of your remaining teeth. When in doubt, discuss your options with your dentist. They can help you decide which choice is best for you based on your budget and goals.