Dental Bridges

What is a Bridge Treatment?

You may have an unfortunate incident where you may have to lose a tooth, it can be due to an accident or a cracked or fractured tooth. It can cause a number of problems like being conscious of the gap and avoid smiling altogether or difficulty in eating.

While you may not be aware, a missing tooth (or multiple missing teeth) can also cause movement of neighboring teeth in the mouth which can disturb your bite’s balance and put unnecessary pressure on other teeth. There are a few options for the replacement of a missing tooth. Out of them, a dental bridge is a fairly quick and excellent option for restoring your smile and your confidence by using the latest technologies and techniques.

Your dentist will be able to discuss all the treatment options available to you and recommend the best one suited to your particular need.

A bridge essentially bridges the gap caused by a missing tooth and restoring health and function to your smile without the need for surgery. Using the teeth on either side of your missing tooth, a bridge holds the replacement tooth in place to prevent further shifting and to maintain the completeness of your smile. Bridges can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks, making them low-hassle and easy to manage.

What Is The Dental Bridge Made Up Of?

Dental bridges can be fabricated in three types of materials

All ceramic
Ceramic fused to metal

The choice of material depends on the location of the bridge in the mouth. It also depends on the type of bridge being fabricated. For example, the bridges used to replace a front tooth are always all-ceramic due to high aesthetic demand.

If a bridge is fabricated to replace a back molar in the mouth, we may choose ceramic fused to metal for more strength and durability.

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Types Of Dental Bridges

Traditional

These are the most popular type of dental bridge. Traditional bridges are made up of two crowns on either side of a pontic (missing tooth space). The crowns fit comfortably on top of your natural teeth to keep the bridge firmly in place.

Maryland

Maryland bridges also use two natural teeth to secure the bridge in place and are a great solution for a gap between two teeth. But rather than using crowns, this method uses a porcelain or metal framework that can be bonded to the back of your teeth.

Cantilever

This type of bridge is similar to a Maryland bridge, except that in this case you only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap. If you choose this type of bridge, we will bond the crown to one abutment tooth to keep it securely in place.

Implant-Supported

These are the most advanced methods of replacing missing teeth. These dental devices are supported by implants rather than crowns or frameworks. Two procedures are required for dental bridges supported by implants. The first step is placing the implants. After a recovery period of 3-6 months, the second procedure is performed where the bridge is placed. Though this may seem like a lengthy process, the results are permanent and natural-looking.

Dental Bridge Information

What Happens During The Dental Bridge Procedure?

The dental bridge procedure takes 2-3 appointments.

Firstly, we’ll prepare the adjacent teeth to accommodate the crowns. Then, we’ll take a digital scan of your teeth and make a record of their colour to ensure the shade is a perfect match.

This scan is transferred to the dental laboratory. It usually takes the dental laboratory about 2 weeks to design your new crown. Between these appointments, we will place temporary crowns on the prepared teeth. If the dental bridge is to replace a front missing tooth, we can design a temporary bridge for you to have a good smile.

Once your bridge is back, we invite you for a 30-minute appointment to have the bridge fitted. We use a special glue to cement the bridge on to the prepared teeth. Within a matter of 2 weeks, you will have a new tooth replacing the gap.

How Do I Care For My New Dental Bridge?

Taking good care of your bridge will help you get the most out of your investment. For the most part, it is similar to the steps that you should follow to care for your natural teeth. Follow these steps to take care of your crown for the long term:

Eat a healthy diet (cut back on sweets and soft drinks)
Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes with a soft or electric toothbrush
Floss every day ( with a special floss that your dentist will recommend for the bridge)or use a water flosser (Waterpik) under the crown replacing the missing tooth
See your dentist regularly (every 4-6 months) and the hygienist for a hygiene appointment

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