A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by spanning the gap and anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants. Options include porcelain-bonded, zirconia or Emax. Two appointments over 2–4 weeks. All bridge treatments start with a check-up.
Dental bridges are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. A bridge is a fixed prosthetic device traditionally placed to restore a gap and the function of the teeth.
Every question answered about dental bridges our patients have ever asked. Learn how they can help replace missing teeth. More.
Bridges are a long-term solution that can help prevent the cycle of problems when just one tooth is missing, such as shifting and drifting of remaining teeth. Unlike dentures, a bridge is not removable, giving increased support and stability within the mouth.
When a lost tooth or teeth are replaced with bridgework, the teeth on either side of the gap must be crowned to serve as reinforced anchors to hold the bridge in place.
Like dentures, we can also use dental implants to secure a bridge. An implant-retained bridge is preferable for many patients as it eliminates the need for the dentist to fit crowns to the adjacent teeth.
Typically, a dental bridge consists of porcelain teeth fused to metal, ensuring the prosthesis looks as natural as possible in the mouth. The material is strong, durable, and designed to function like a regular tooth.
There are also gold and zirconia bridges available. All options will be discussed during your examination, with the benefits of each material explained.
You can expect your bridge treatment to take place over two appointments. At the first appointment, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic and prepare your anchor teeth for fitting with dental crowns. The crowns bolster the anchor teeth, providing extra strength and stability for your bridge.
Your dentist will then take digital 3D impressions of your mouth using the revolutionary iTero® intraoral scanner. This improves our precision and accuracy through highly detailed images of your teeth and gum tissue surfaces, enabling us to customise your bridge more precisely. As a result, your restoration will feel and look more like a natural tooth.
A temporary bridge will be placed between this appointment and your fit appointment.
Between your first and second visits, a dental laboratory will produce your bridge using a mould of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will fit your bridge and cement it at your second appointment.
A bridge is an excellent method of replacement for missing teeth. Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits, it can avert other complications related to tooth loss, such as the undesirable shifting of neighbouring teeth, difficulty speaking and chewing, and infections of the exposed gum tissue.
Pay extra attention to your dental bridge when brushing and flossing, and clean the surrounding gum tissue carefully at least twice a day. Also, visiting the hygienist regularly will help.
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