Whether you have lost a tooth through an accident or if it has been extracted, bridges can effectively and reliably fill the gaps in your smile. Made from all-ceramic materials, bridges use the teeth on either one or both sides of the gap as support for the replacement tooth. With conventional bridges, crowns slot over the supporting teeth with the false tooth acting as a bridge between them. This will only be possible if the teeth supporting the bridge are strong enough and if they have good bone support.
It is important to replace missing teeth in your smile, but not just because it can really affect confidence. Replacing teeth prevents the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, causing alignment issues.
Bridges are a more secure alternative to partial dentures as they are fixed. We can also use a bridge in combination with implants to replace more than one missing tooth.
Want to learn more? Book a consultation today
Find out moreWe first make sure that the teeth that will support the bridge are healthy and strong. They are then prepared by removing a layer of tooth enamel.
We take digital scans of the prepared teeth. These are sent to the dental laboratory. While your bridge is custom-made, we provide you with a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth.
When ready, we check your bridge, making sure it fits perfectly and making small adjustments if necessary. Your bridge is finally fixed in place with strong dental cement.
Find out moreMaryland bridges require virtually no drilling of the teeth on either side of the gap to be filled and can be made with metal or ceramic wings (brackets) glued to hold the false tooth securely in place.
They work best when the teeth next to the gap are perfect or have very small fillings in them. We have placed a lot of these and they work really well and are aesthetically very good. Much cheaper and easier than an implant, but they are not suitable for filling every gap.
You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.
Although a bridge may seem costly they can be a wise investment that will give many years of good service. It will also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician, and in this way, it’s similar to ordering a piece of hand-made jewellery.
If bridges are well looked after, and that includes keeping the supporting teeth healthy so they can continue to provide a solid foundation, they should last for over ten years.
The main types of bridge are a conventional bridge and an adhesive bridge.
With a conventional bridge, usually the teeth either side of the gap are prepared, crowns are placed over the prepared teeth and these are attached to the artificial tooth (also called a pontic).
Adhesive bridges require virtually no drilling of the teeth on either side of the gap to be filled and can be made with metal or ceramic wings (brackets) glued to hold the false tooth securely in place. They work best when the teeth next to the gap are perfect or have very small fillings in them. These bridges are much cheaper and easier than an implant, but they are not suitable for filling every gap. Please ask us for further advice.
The main alternatives to bridges for replacing missing teeth are partial dentures and dental implants. Bridges are seen as a more secure alternative to partial dentures, as they are fixed into place and will not move or slip. Implants are seen as superior in durability and aesthetics, but are more expensive. Bridges can be used in combination with implants to replace more than one missing tooth.
We’re here to help if you need us. Get in touch today - we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Book your next appointment today
by Dental Design
