Bridges
Bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth
Sometimes when a tooth is lost a space is left which can be unsightly, can cause difficulty in chewing or can result in movement of the adjacent teeth. There are many options for filling spaces including implant, dentures and dental bridge. If you have lost one or two teeth but would rather not wear a denture, you may want to opt for a bridge. Bridges are a series of crowns joined together to cover or close a space left by the loss of a tooth. They are permanent and once bonded into place will look and feel similar to natural tooth.
Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or by implants. At Example Dental Practice we will check the health of your gums and the supported teeth to ensure that they are suitable for treatment and take appropriate measures if they are not. We will discuss all your options with you to ensure that you can keep your mouth healthy and your smile stunning with a well-fitting and natural looking bridge.
ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A DENTAL BRIDGE:
Generally speaking, the main advantages of having a dental bridge are:
- Great looks (aesthetics): In a traditional fixed bridge, not only can you fill the space of the missing tooth, you can improve the colour and the shape of the teeth that you are crowning either side. Porcelain looks great, matches the natural teeth exceptionally well and is very resistant to staining.
- Not removable: A bridge is fixed in your mouth - you don't have to worry about taking it out to clean it like a denture.
- Protective: If the teeth either side are heavily filled or broken down then by crowning these teeth as part of the bridge you are actually helping to strengthen them and replace your missing tooth at the same time.
- Long lasting: Studies have shown that fixed bridgework, like individual crowns, is very predictable, durable and lasts a considerable length of time.
- Relatively quick: A bridge in general takes only a little longer than a single crown and once the decision to make a bridge has been made, it generally takes two appointments from start to finish. This is a much quicker procedure than having an implant or even a partial denture.
- Less invasive than implants: Implants require one or more surgical procedures to place the implant. You may also require bone grafting if you have insufficient natural bone available. For anyone who is unable to undergo implant surgery for medical reasons, it is a great fixed alternative.
- Restore your smile: If you are missing numerous teeth, you probably look at old photographs and wish you can have that smile back. This wish can become a reality.
- Restore your ability to properly chew: Losing a few teeth may affect your bite. People often chew on one side if they are missing teeth on the opposite side. Over time, this may cause bite issues and even TMJ problems. Dental Bridges help you to distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.
- Dental bridges help you speak properly: During speech, your tongue pushes against the back side of your upper teeth to achieve proper pronunciation. Missing teeth can quickly affect the way you talk.
- Maintain the shape of your face: Your facial musculature and your jaw bone may change over time if you are missing many teeth. Replacing lost teeth will help maintain your facial tone and prevent facial changes.
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position: Whenever a tooth is lost, the teeth around the space tend to shift, tilt, or drift into that space. A dental bridge would prevent undesired changes in the nearby teeth.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why would I need a Bridge?
- How are Dental Bridges Made?
- Will the bridge feel normal?
- How long will the bridge last?
- How does a dental bridge affect speech?
- How should I care for a dental bridge?
- Why should I replace missing teeth?
- How are missing teeth replaced?
- What are bridges made of?
- How do I know which bridge to get?
Dental bridges consist of an artificial tooth that is used to fill a gap where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. Therefore a bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and joint disorders.
If you are missing a single tooth or several teeth, don't delay. Come in for an examination at and discuss your options with our dental team.
Before a bridge can be made, the adjacent tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, our dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, our dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the color of your existing teeth. Using this impression, our dental lab then makes your crown or bridge.
Generally dental bridges last for between six to eight years, depending on a patient's oral hygiene and how well the teeth are looked after. In some circumstances, a dental bridge can last over ten years. It will typically need re-cementing once during this period.
As with all dental procedures, good oral hygiene is important after having a bridge fitted. Because a dental bridge is reliant on the surrounding teeth, as long as these remain strong and healthy, they will offer the bridge a secure foundation. Daily brushing at least twice a day, flossing after meals and using a mouthwash will help keep teeth healthy and prevent decay and gum disease.
Furthermore, avoiding sugary foods and keeping to a healthy, nutritious diet will also maintain tooth and gum health.
Your appearance is one reason. You may need a dental bridge to restore an attractive, natural smile. Many people who lose a front tooth or have a noticeable space between front teeth become self-conscious about smiling. They may think they appear unattractive to others.
Another reason is when you lose a tooth the gap left by a missing tooth can mean more strain is put on the teeth at either side. Also, the resulting gap between surrounding teeth can widen as these teeth shift or rotate out of position. When our dental specialist inserts a bridge to close the bothersome gap, healthy alignment of your teeth is restored for normal chewing, speaking and smiling.
That depends on what is being replaced. First ask yourself, are there teeth to both sides of the gap that I have? If not, then your options are considerably limited, as the floating bridge that is hooked up at both sides of gap is out of question. If only one side has teeth next to it, then a cantilever bridge is the way to go. If there are no teeth to both sides of it, than you are getting a Denture, aren't you?
The other thing to consider is how many teeth you are getting replaced, and whether or not you are thinking of getting Dental Implants.
If you have any specific question about Dental Bridges please use our Consultation Booking tool to book your initial consultation online or call us on 0123 456 789.