When you have one or more missing teeth, then a dental bridge may be used to restore the resulting gaps. The dental bridge is basically a false tooth, beautifully created from porcelain that fills the gap and is supported by adjacent teeth or implants.
One of the most crucial skills in the placement of a dental bridge is to create the illusion that the missing tooth emerges from gum just a natural tooth.
Here the “false tooth” is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. There are two crowns holding it in place attached onto your teeth either side of the false tooth. This type of dental bridge can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.
In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever dental bridge may be used. A cantilever dental bridge is when the “false tooth” is only supported on one side. The result is just as aesthetic but has the benefit that fewer teeth have to be treated.
The type of dental bridge is almost always used for your front teeth. The main benefit of this type of dental bridge is that healthy teeth either side need either minimal or no preparation. The “false tooth” is fused to metal or ceramic “wings” that are bonded very firmly to the supporting or “abutment” teeth with a resin. The wings are hidden from view so that only the porcelain, which appears just like a natural tooth, is visible.
Implants are the modern way to replace missing teeth. An implant is placed in the bone where the tooth root would have originally been. When it has fused to the bone it can be restored with individual crowns or, when more than one tooth is missing, with an implant supported dental bridge. Even if you have no teeth in one or both jaws, implants can be placed and an implant supported dental bridge securely fixed.
Restores Tooth Functionality
Bridges restore the ability to chew and bite properly, especially for teeth that are damaged or weakened.
Protects the Tooth
Bridges provide protection against further damage or decay, preserving the underlying tooth structure.
Improves Tooth Appearance
Bridges can enhance the appearance of a tooth by covering imperfections such as discoloration, chips, or irregularities.
Longevity
With proper care, dental bridges can last for many years, providing a durable solution for restoring and preserving tooth structure.
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth. It consists of two main components: the pontic (artificial tooth) and the abutments.
If you have a missing tooth or one that is severely decayed or broken and is not stable enough to hold a dental crown on its own, then a dental bridge may be a suitable treatment for you.
Patients looking to get a dental bridge should be ready for at least two appointments. After the initial appointment, the dentist will prepare the nearby teeth for the crown process. A small layer of the tooth enamel will be removed to connect the bridge structure. The dentist will take impressions of the teeth and provide a temporary bridge to wear before the final bridge is ready.
At the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent bridge. This appointment will generally occur about three weeks after the first appointment to allow enough time to produce the dental bridge.
To maximise the lifespan of your bridge, it is necessary to take your oral hygiene seriously. Aside from flossing the natural teeth, patients will need to maintain a good tooth brushing regime. Flossing can be difficult with a dental bridge, so the dentist may recommend special cleaning tools and instructions on how to properly clean the teeth. Regular dental appointments are also important for checkups and cleaning. With proper care, a dental bridge can last up to 10 years or more.
