A dental bridge is a way to replace missing teeth. They rely on support from the teeth around the gaps. It is a fixed restoration that adjoins the teeth on either side of a missing tooth. Depending on the design of the bridge, the so called “anchor teeth” on one or both sides of the gap are prepared in the same way as for a crown. Finally, the lab will create the bridge by attaching on these crowns a tooth that will be filling the gap. You can think of it as multiple crowns fused together, supported by your natural teeth.
Dental bridges look like teeth and can be potentially very aesthetic thanks to modern materials. Your bridge is made especially for your smile.
They can be made relatively quickly and depending on the specifics of your case we may not have to drill away healthy teeth. There are three different designs: traditional, cantilever and Maryland (resin bonded) bridge, and we will discuss with you what the best option would be in each case.
Some facts about bridges:
- For their lifespan, they can be great value for money and can be made to look very natural.
- It is a popular and durable treatment that has been used to improve smiles for many years, before implants became the gold standard.
- It is still a great option for patients who do not have sufficient bone to support implants.
- It is more effective if you have only a few teeth to replace or if your missing teeth are all on one side of your mouth.
- Dental bridges are fixed and sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about the risk of it moving when chewing or speaking like with dentures.
- There is always some small risk that the retainer teeth for a bridge may require root canal treatment prior or after the bridge is made.
The Process
We will first examine clinically and radiograpically that your teeth can support a bridge. Once this is confirmed, the treatment process can begin. Impressions of your mouth may need to be taken beforehand, so that we can make a model of your teeth, giving the lab technician a better idea of how your teeth come together when you bite. Sometimes, clinical photos will be taken to assist the technician to match your bridge better to your natural teeth
Your teeth will then be prepared to accommodate the bridge, which involves safely and gently removing a small amount of tooth matter and final impressions will be taken. The replacement teeth will be prepared for you at the lab according to the prescription we will send and during the waiting period your bridge is being created in the dental laboratory, we will fit you with temporary crowns or even a temporary bridge, to protect the remaining structure.
Once your bridge has been prepared, we will call you back to the practice for a fitting appointment and you can leave with your brand-new bridge. We’ll give you advice on how to take care of your bridge at home and answer any questions you might have moving forwards.
