Dentures and Bridges
Cantilever bridge
A cantilever bridge holds a false tooth by attaching it to a natural tooth on only one side of the gap.
Most bridges are anchored at both ends. A cantilever bridge is anchored at one end. The false tooth, called a pontic, extends out from a crown on a single abutment tooth. Cleveland Clinic says a cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, except that the artificial tooth hangs over or extends across the gap when the bridge is bonded onto one abutment tooth. It can be used when there is a healthy tooth on only one side of the gap. Because the force falls on a single tooth, a cantilever is usually limited to places with light bite force, and the supporting tooth must be strong. Your dentist will talk with you about your options. See dental bridge and our dental bridge page.