Bridges

A bridge is a frequently used treatment to provide a fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth.

To make a strong, natural-looking and long-lasting bridge, the replacement tooth or teeth are anchored to crowns fitted to adjacent teeth on one or both sides of the gap.

Why might I need a bridge?

There are a number of reasons why a dental bridge may be appropriate to replace missing teeth:

• You have a visible space and would prefer not to have a denture.
• You have a denture and would like a different solution to replace missing teeth.
• You have gaps at the back of your mouth that can make eating uncomfortable.
• Your dentist has noticed that a missing tooth or teeth could damage your other teeth.
• You wish to improve the appearance of your smile, having lost one or more teeth.

Is a bridge right for me?

A bridge relies on the support of the tooth or teeth next to the gap. There must be sufficiently strong adjacent teeth with good supporting bone that are strong enough to withstand the extra chewing forces of the bridge.

Your dentist will discuss the options and advise you on the suitability of a bridge, depending on your individual case. Other potential treatments for filling a space include a removable denture or dental implants.

What is the procedure for a bridge?

When you come in for your first appointment, your dentist will first shape and adjust the teeth on either side of the space in preparation for dental crowns to fit over them.  We’ll then take impressions of your teeth and send them to our technician, who’ll custom-make your bridge. There are several types of bridge, such as all-porcelain, porcelain bonded to precious metal, ceramic and metal alone.

Your dentist will carefully choose the material and colour of your bridge to match your existing teeth.  Temporary crowns or a temporary bridge may be fixed to the retaining teeth, until your next appointment.  When you come back to the practice, we’ll adjust and fit your bridge into place. The bridge will then be permanently fixed into place cemented to the supporting teeth by the crowns.

How long will my bridge last?

Your bridge is designed to last for many years, depending on a number of factors:

• The strength of the supporting teeth.
• The heaviness of your bite.
• An effective daily oral health regime.
• A healthy diet with limited sugary foods and drinks.

Your dentist or hygienist will show you the best way to care for your bridge, since an ordinary toothbrush cannot reach the supporting teeth under the bridge.