Cantilever Dental Bridge: Procedure, Aftercare, Pros and Cons

Dental bridges are tooth restoration techniques that bridge the gap between teeth. They are simply the tooth replacement process in which an artificial tooth fills the gap created by a missing tooth.

A cantilever bridge is a dental bridge that replaces a missed tooth when a single adjacent tooth is available to support it. It is a modified version of a traditional bridge.

What is a Cantilever Bridge?

A cantilever bridge is also known as a single-tooth bridge!

A cantilever bridge is a modification of traditional ones. It is a preferable option for low-biting areas.

This dental bridge type is only feasible when the natural teeth are only on one side of the empty tooth space. Also, as there is a single anchor, dentists must alter a single natural tooth.

Parts of Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever dental bridge has four main parts, including:

Pontic: Pontic is an artificial tooth made of ceramic, porcelain, and metal that usually replaces the missing tooth.
Abutment (Supporting Tooth): The abutment is the tooth on the side of a missing tooth to support the artificial tooth.
Dental Crowns: Dental crowns, made of different materials, such as ceramic and porcelain, are placed on the abutment teeth to hold artificial teeth securely.
Bridge Framework: This bridge framework connects the pontic with the abutment. It provides structural stability and support to the structure.

6 Steps Procedure of Cantilever Bridge Implant

The success rate of cantilever bridges is 82% over 10 years. The cantilever bridge implant involved the following steps:

Step I: Initial Consultation

The first step in a cantilever bridge implant is the initial diagnosis and consultation with your dentist.

These bridge implants are the option when:

There is a single tooth available for support.
The tooth available for support is strong enough.
The missing tooth is in the low-force teeth region.

You can consult the best oral health specialist via Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

Step II: Tooth Prep

The next step after the initial consultation is tooth prep. Compared to the other bridge types, cantilever bridges require minimal preparation.

Preparation involves modifying the abutment. Dentists usually remove a part of tooth enamel to create space to support the pontic. The extent of enamel removal is dependent on the material of pontics.

A part of abutment prep involves strengthening the tooth structure to support the implant and bridge, which bears the implant’s weight.

Step III: Impression

Like any other orthodontic procedure, such as braces, the dentist records your tooth impression. Depending on the choice, a dentist may use a single or dual-step approach to record the impression.

The two-step technique is often a preferable choice because of its precision. In this technique, the dentist places a prefabricated impression tray loaded with mold material in the mouth to record impressions. Oral scanners can also record digital toothprints.

Step IV: Temporary Bridge Placement

A temporary bridge protects the abutment to help patients perform everyday functions. In the meantime, a permanent bridge is prepared.

Step V: Bridge Fabrication

Then, the laboratory creates your implant structure according to the recorded print. This may require 1-2 weeks. Depending on the individual’s preference, the bridge is customized in different colors, materials, etc.

Step VI: Permanent Bridge Placement

After the final bridge is ready, the dentist then places it. The permanent bridge is fit and then cemented in the place using adhesives and other materials.

Post Cantilever Bridge Implant Care

A cantilever bridge can last 5-10 years, depending on the proper care. Here is all you need to know about caring for implants.

Immediate Care Instructions

Immediately after the implant, you may experience pain, swelling, or slight bleeding. Some people also find it difficult to perform regular activities like chewing.

During this time, here is how to take care of the implant:

Take a soft diet for a few days
Apply a cold compress for pain relief
Avoid exerting pressure on the implant area
Don’t spit or rinse for the first 24 hours.

Long-Term Care Instructions

Here are the tips to take good care of single-tooth bridges in the long run:

Brush your teeth twice a day
Floss daily to prevent any buildup
Use saltwater rinses or antibacterial mouthwash
Avoid chewing on harder and sticky objects for some time
Avoid coffee or tea consumption to prevent staining
Visit your dentist occasionally.

Cantilever Bridge Implant vs Traditional Implants

The following are the key differences between cantilever bridges and traditional bridge implants:

Feature	Traditional Bridge	Cantilever Bridge
Anchor	Two adjacent tooth	Single adjacent tooth
No of Missing Tooth	Supports more than 1 missing tooth	Suitable for single missing tooth
Durability and Stability	More	Less
Tooth Prep	Dual tooth prep	Single tooth prep
Suitable	Anywhere in mouth	Low bite pressure area
Longevity	10-15 years	5-10 years
Cost	High	Low

Pros and Cons of Cantilever Dental Bridge

Here is all about the pros and cons of these bridges:

Pros

The pros of cantilever dental bridge are:

It is a minimally invasive procedure requiring less alteration of the adjacent teeth as it involves a single abutment.
It is suitable for replacing a missing tooth, especially when the supportive tooth structure is on a single end.
These implants are more cost-effective than similar variants, such as traditional or implant-supported bridges.
The replacement teeth are fixed in one place and don’t need frequent removal.
The pontic easily matches the existing teeth, creating a more natural and uniform appearance.
The cantilever bridges are easy to place and require no anesthesia or other similar interventions.
These dental bridges last for a longer period once your dentist places them. In some cases, cantilever bridges remain intact for 15 years.
Cantilever bridges are a feasible alternative because there is a lesser chance of infection.

Cons

Some dentists may not recommend these single-tooth bridges as a treatment option because of the following drawbacks:

These bridges are less stable than similar variants, affecting their longevity.
The single-tooth bridge depends on a single tooth/ abutment for support, which increases the risk of wear.
A cantilever bridge is suitable for missing teeth with low bite pressure. However, it isn’t ideal for molars with high bite pressure.
These implants don’t involve damaged bone replacement, which may lead to bone loss.

Cost of Cantilever Dental Bridge

The cost of a cantilever dental bridge is moderate compared with other similar options. These bridges range between $3,000 and $5,500.

The cost of the implant procedure depends on the following factors:

Choice of implant material
Type of crown material
Existing condition of abutment (need for bone grafting)
Technique for impression recording
Choice of the doctor
Your location.

Cantilever Dental Bridge – A Tooth Restoration Technique

The cantilever bridge implant is a technique for replacing missing teeth. It uses a single adjacent tooth for support, which is helpful for patients who don’t have strong adjacent structures on both sides.

This solution is also minimally invasive. Depending on the proper care, these implants last for extended periods. So, make sure you follow your dentist’s instructions thoroughly and don’t miss your scheduled appointment.

FAQs

How to Know If Your Cantilever Bridge Implant Is Affected?

The following are the warning signs indicating complications with your existing cantilever implant:

Throbbing pain in the area
Swelling in the area
Redness
Pus or blood discharge
Painful chewing or biting
Bad breath (halitosis)
Loose or shifting implant
Gum recession.

How Long Does It Take a Cantilever Implant to Heal?

The healing time for a cantilever implant is usually 3-6 months. During this time, a bridge implant fully integrates with the bone. This process is known as osseointegration.

What are the Alternatives to Cantilever Implants?

If this is not a suitable option for you, then the following are the alternative options you should consider:

Traditional bridges
Maryland bridges
Implant-supported bridges.
Partial dentures
Dental implants.

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6 Steps Cantilever Bridge Implant Procedure [+Post care tips]