Archive for the “dental bridge” Category

Restore your confidence and your smile with a dental bridge from Bristol dentist

Even one missing tooth can seriously affect the way a person looks and not just because of the obvious gap in the teeth. Missing teeth leave gaps in the dental arc that allow other teeth to rotate and lean leading to a complete change in the appearance of the teeth. This can also affect bite alignment and have a negative impact on the facial tissue. Vacant spaces are also breeding grounds for plaque-forming and bad breath-causing bacteria. It is therefore very important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.

One cosmetic option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth attached to crowns or resin-bonded strips that literally bridges the gap left by the missing tooth. This restores the appearance of the tooth from the gum up without having any attachment to the gum itself. This prevents bacteria build up and also braces the other teeth preventing any unwanted movement.

Dental bridges are usually fitted over several visits to the dentist depending on the condition of the existing teeth. The type of bridge fitted also depends on the condition of the adjacent teeth. Teeth in better condition are likely to be resin bonded rather than remove healthy enamel for a crown.

If properly cared for a dental bridge can last for up to fifteen years and serve all the functions of a natural tooth. Bristol dentists can fit dental bridges to fill the gap left by one or more teeth to help restore a patient’s confidence and their smile.

January 9, 2010 at 6:31 pm | No comment

Tags: dental bridge, facial tissue, missing teeth
Posted in dental bridge |

Bristol dentist completes smile with dental bridge

Having missing teeth in your smile can be embarrassing and cause a loss of confidence but it can also have a series of adverse physical effects as well. Teeth missing from the dental arc can cause a change in bite, shifting of other teeth, speech impediments and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It is therefore important to replace the missing teeth with artificial dental substitutes as soon as possible.

One option is to have a dental bridge fitted by a Bristol dentist. Dental bridges are fixed artificial teeth attached to dental crowns on either side of the gap and can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. There are several different types of dental bridge that can be used depending on the circumstances of the individual patient but typically all bridges will include an artificial bridging tooth called a pontic.

If you are a suitable candidate for treatment the dentist will construct the bridge over the course of several visits. This may involve rebuilding damaged teeth so that they are strong enough to receive a dental crown. Once the crowns are in place, a pontic specifically chosen to fit the gap exactly and match the colour of the existing teeth can then be fixed using metal strips and dental bonding. The cost of the bridge will vary depending on the types of material used in manufacturing the bridge and the extent of the damage to the original teeth but will usually fall between £500 and £1.500. Once fixed, the dental bridge can last up to twenty years if properly cleaned and maintained through a strict oral hygiene regime. Although it would obviously be preferable to have your original teeth intact, dental bridge treatments provide an incredibly lifelike and sturdy alternative to real teeth and can prevent a series of unpleasant negative effects otherwise associated with missing teeth.

December 6, 2009 at 11:37 am | No comment

Tags: dental bridge, gum disease, missing teeth
Posted in dental bridge |