Dental Bridges

 

Dental Bridges

 

A dental bridge essentially bridges a gap in your mouth. It involves replacing a missing tooth with a false tooth which is bonded to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. There are two main types of dental bridge.

The most common type consists of two crowns, which are permanently bonded to your natural teeth either side of the space, with the false tooth (or teeth) in the middle.

If the teeth either side of your missing teeth are strong and healthy, you may be able to have an adhesive bridge. An adhesive bridge is a false tooth with ‘wings’ either side of it. These wings are bonded to the inner surfaces of the supporting teeth. This avoids the need to prepare the neighbouring teeth for full coverage crowns.

 

                                                   Adhesive Bridge                                 Fixed bridge

What are the benefits of dental bridges?

Dental bridges offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. bridges can replace missing teeth without surgery. And with porcelain and ceramic finishes available, your new tooth will be almost indistinguishable from the natural teeth surrounding it.

Having a dental bridge can boost your confidence in your smile and make day to day activities such as eating and talking easier. Replacing a missing tooth can also help protect your remaining teeth. When you have gaps, remaining teeth may lean over or move into the space, affecting the way you bite. Food can also get trapped in spaces, increasing your risk of tooth decay.

Dental bridges are an investment in your confidence, quality of life and oral health.

To create the bridge, your dentist will prepare the teeth for the bridge then take an impression of your mouth.,so the bridge can be made to fit your mouth as closely as possible. At this stage, your dentist will also determine the right shade for your bridge, so it matches your natural teeth.

The bridge is then custom-made by a specialised lab technician according to the dentist’s instructions. Your dentist will fit a temporary solution,  while you’re waiting for your bespoke bridge to be made.

At your next appointment  your dentist will ensure the fit is correct by checking that you bite correctly with the bridge in place, and that you are happy with the colour and appearance, they will then use special cements to fix it permanently in place.