Dental bridges are a form of false teeth that are designed to fill the spaces left by missing teeth. They can be invaluably beneficial both for health and cosmetic reasons.
The dentist will create a dental bridge of the correct dimensions. The false tooth of a dental bridge is called a pontic. In the majority of cases it is fitted into a specified gap by attaching to the neighbouring teeth on either side using crowns. The porcelain crowns act as anchors for the pontic, creating a fixed, immovable dental bridge between the abutment teeth on both sides. Pieces of these adjacent teeth are removed to accommodate the crowns.
Types of bridge
Traditional fixed bridges
The traditional fixed bridge is the widespread definition of a dental bridge, fitted using the mechanisms described above and forming an irremovable bridge. These can cover gaps left by one or more missing teeth where abutment teeth can anchor the pontic at either end.
Resin bonded bridges
Resin bonded bridges are less expensive and usually recommended for the front teeth. The pontic is bonded to metal bands and these bands are linked to the abutment teeth using a hidden resin. The abutment teeth should be healthy for the resin bridge to be fully effective, but this type of bridge requires less preparation of the teeth.
Cantilever bridges
Cantilever bridges are available for parts of the mouth that are not under much strain, particularly the area where the front teeth grow. These bridges are used in cases where an abutment tooth is only present on one side of the space.
Why would I need a bridge?
Missing teeth can be unsightly and often lower the confidence of sufferers. But there are reasons unrelated to aesthetics that missing teeth need to be replaced. The remaining teeth can begin to place inordinate pressure on the teeth directly adjacent to the gap. These teeth are regularly forced to lean unnaturally into the space, which can change the person’s bite. There is also a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease for people with gaps because specks of food build up in the space and are more difficult to remove or clean away. Some people with gaps suffer from speech impediments.
The benefits
The bridges provide a naturalistic, pleasing and discreet appearance. The fitting process is usually quick and easy for the patient. With appropriate oral hygiene, a dental bridge can last successfully for approximately ten years. The upshot of this is that falling into slack oral hygiene routines can harm the bridges and also provoke tooth or gum infection, though this is also a risk for people without bridges. The treated teeth are often sensitive to fluctuating temperature for a number of weeks after the fitting, but this should soon diminish.
Tooth loss is a problem that can affect patients of all ages. Losing a single tooth or a number of teeth is distressing and it can have far-reaching implications for your confidence, health and wellbeing. We always recommend replacing missing teeth and one of our options is dental bridges.
About dental bridges
Dental bridges are a popular choice for people who have a missing tooth. The most common type of dental bridge is a traditional fixed bridge, which is made from a false tooth and two crowns. The bridge is supported by the neighbouring teeth and helps to improve the aesthetic of the smile, as well as improving speech and enabling you to eat and enjoy a variety of foods. It is also possible to connect a dental bridge to a dental implant.
We use high quality materials to create durable and functional bridges and we offer a choice of materials to suit your preferences, including precious metals, metal alloys and ceramics. Porcelain bridges are very popular because they create the best aesthetics.
Dental bridges are custom-made to ensure the best fit and the procedure is pain-free.
Will a dental bridge affect my speech?
In some cases, it can take a couple of days to get used to the bridge and this means that your speech may be slightly different during this period. However, most people find that the bridge doesn’t affect the way they speak at all and in cases where a patient has been without a tooth for a long time, a bridge can actually improve speech.
How long do bridges last?
Dental bridges should last for around 5-7 years and with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the lifespan may even reach over 10 years. Every time you have a routine check-up, your dentist will check your bridge.
Tooth loss is an issue faced by patients of all ages, but thankfully there are some excellent tooth replacement treatments available on the market. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or have a number of missing teeth, there are effective solutions out there and there are numerous advantages to replacing lost teeth. One popular option for a single missing tooth is a dental bridge.
What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are restorations designed to fill gaps in the smile by replacing a missing tooth with a false tooth. There are various different types of bridge and the most common is the traditional fixed bridge. This appliance is made from a false tooth supported by a crown on either side. Bridges are versatile, durable and can be designed to match the natural teeth perfectly. It is possible to make bridges from ceramics including porcelain, as well as precious and non-precious metals. Porcelain bridges are very popular because they produce beautiful, natural looking aesthetics.
Bridges are a great option for patients with a missing tooth because they are easy to maintain, last for up to 15 years and are more affordable than dental implants. The procedure to fit a bridge is straightforward and treatment is usually complete within 2 weeks. All our bridges are custom-made for the individual patient and once they have been made, they are fixed into position in a simple procedure.
What are the alternatives to a dental bridge?
Dentures and dental implants are alternatives to dental bridges. Dentures are a very popular option for patients who have lost a number of teeth, while dental implants can be beneficial for patients with one, several or a whole arch of missing teeth. Implants last a lifetime and have many benefits for patients of all ages. Dentures are effective and affordable, and modern dentures also look very natural. The best way to decide which option is best for you is to arrange a consultation where we will examine your mouth and then discuss the different treatments with you to help you make a well-informed decision.
We are proud to offer terrific tooth replacements for patients in Chepstow and beyond. If gaps are getting you down this winter, we can restore your smile and your confidence so that you’re ready and raring to go for the festive season.
The benefits of replacing missing teeth
Missing teeth can contribute to a host of problems in the mouth, from an increased risk of oral disease and movement of the remaining teeth to poor aesthetics, reduced confidence and impaired speech and chewing ability. With natural looking restorative treatments, we are able to combat potential issues and create healthy looking, functional smiles, which will also contribute to increased confidence and self-esteem.
Which is the best option for me?
We offer a range of tooth replacements including dentures, dental implants and dental bridges. There are pros and cons of each treatment and we can go through these and discuss the different treatments and how they work when you have a consultation. In some cases, there is a clear favourite due to the nature of a patient’s dental needs, while in others, a range of options may be suitable and patients have more choice.
Dental bridges are generally recommended for a single missing tooth, while implants and dentures are suitable for patients with multiple missing teeth. Implants offer longevity, function and convenience, as they are very easy to look after and they last a lifetime, but they are the most expensive option.
When you have your consultation, your dentist will assess your dental needs and they can then discuss your options, answer your questions and explain how each treatment could be of benefit to you. We can consider a number of factors when we are planning your treatment, including treatment time, cost and preferences.
If you have troublesome gaps in your smile, now is the perfect time to look into tooth replacement treatments. Call us now to find out more!
Losing teeth has an obvious impact on the look of your smile, but it can also be detrimental for your oral health and general wellbeing. Your teeth are involved in a number of important actions every day, from helping to form sounds, to enabling you to chew food properly before digestion, and without them, even the most basic functions may become more difficult. Thankfully, we offer a range of effective tooth replacement treatments for patients of all ages with any number of missing teeth. Our treatments include dental bridges, dentures and dental implants and we will happily discuss and explore the options with you, to enable you to make a decision about which treatment suits your needs best. Dentures are sets of false teeth, which are very effective for patients with a large number of missing teeth; they look like natural teeth and they are custom-made for comfort and functionality. Dental bridges are a very popular treatment for a single missing tooth. There are different types of bridge available, including traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges and they can be manufactured using various materials, including precious metals and porcelain. Dental implants are the most versatile solution because they can replace any number of teeth; they also last longer and provide amazing levels of functionality. Whatever your needs, we have an option to suit you and will have you smiling with confidence in no time!
Call Today On 0117 973 1910 Email info@cliftonsmiles.co.uk
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry