Services
Dental Bridges FAQ
Dental bridges fill the gap where the missing tooth would have been by using a false tooth, which looks and feels just like the real thing.
The false tooth also holds the remaining teeth either side in place so that they don’t shift into that space.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
Once your dental bridge is in place, it should be virtually imperceptible.
The anchoring teeth are often referred to as abutment teeth and the false teeth are often called pontics.
What Are The False Teeth Made From? Will They Look Odd?
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Bridges?
- Prevent your remaining teeth from shifting position.
- Help you bite and/or chew properly.
- Correct your bite.
- Properly align your jaw.
- Maintain the shape of your face.
- Give you a great smile.
Types Of Dental Bridge
Traditional Bridges
A traditional bridge is the most commonly recommended treatment for missing teeth. It involves creating crowns to go on the teeth on either side of the gap which acts as anchors for the pontic that will sit in-between them. Traditional bridges are usually made from porcelain that has been fused to ceramic or metal.
Resin-Bonded Bridges
Also sometimes referred to as a Maryland bonded bridge, this type of bridge can be created from a variety of materials including porcelain fused to metal, complete porcelain or sometimes plastic teeth and gums that are supported by a porcelain or metal framework. The wings found on each side of the bridge, usually made from metal or porcelain, are securely bonded to your natural teeth.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are used when there are only existing teeth that can be used as anchors on one side of the gap. In the past there have been problems with cantilever bridges being used in the back of the mouth as they were found to exert too much pressure on the anchor tooth, causing damage and even breakages.
What Happens During The Procedure To Get A Dental Bridge?
After giving you a local anesthetic, he/she will prepare the abutment teeth by filing away some of the enamel in order to make your tooth small enough for the crown to sit over it, hiding it completely. Then your dentist will take impressions of your teeth which will be used as a guide for the dental lab that will be making your crowns, pontic and bridge so that it is a perfect fit. Finally, the abutment teeth and gap will be covered with a temporary bridge to protect them while the final bridge is being created.
When your bridge is ready you will be invited back in to see the dentist who will remove your temporary cover and fit your final bridge. This may require multiple visits in order to ensure that the cover and fit is absolutely perfect. Before your bridge is cemented in place permanently, your dentist may suggest a ‘trial run’. This is where they are implanted with a temporary adhesive to check that they are completely comfortable before securing them in place with permanent cement.
Looking After Your Dental Bridge
How Much Can I Expect A Dental Bridge To Cost?
You may find that some or all of the cost will be covered by your dental insurance, so you should check this with your insurer before booking your treatment.