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.
The teeth are made from strong stuff, but years of wear and tear and injuries can take their toll and most of us need restorative treatment at some point in our lives. Common types of restorative treatment include:
Crowns
Fillings
Dental bridges
Why would I need restorative dental treatment?
You may need restorative dental treatment if you have cavities, have injured or fractured your tooth, have had root canal treatment, have had a tooth knocked out or extracted or your tooth has been weakened by a large filling. The type of restoration you have usually depends on the extent of the damage to the tooth and the location of the tooth.
About dental bridges
A dental bridge is a type of restoration used to replace a missing tooth. There are various types of dental bridge, including:
Traditional fixed bridge
Cantilever bridge
Maryland bridge (also known as a resin-bonded bridge)
A traditional fixed bridge is the most common type of bridge. It is made from a pontic (a false tooth), fused to two crowns. A cantilever bridge is used when there are healthy teeth on one side of the gap only and a Maryland bridge is often recommended when one of the front teeth is missing.
Dental bridges can be made from many different materials, including gold, metal alloys, porcelain and metal fused to ceramic. Metal bridges tend to be stronger than ceramic bridges, but ceramic bridges are more aesthetically pleasing; often, the best solution is to go for a ceramic and metal bridge.
Benefits of a dental bridge
Dental bridges are an effective means of replacing a missing tooth. They restore the look of the smile, giving you confidence when you smile and enable you to eat, drink and speak without any problems.
Dental bridges should last for several years provided that they are well looked-after. It is important to keep the bridge clean and your dentist will check your bridge every time you have a routine check-up. Contact the team at Clifton Dental Studio, right in the heart of Bristol, for more information.
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.
If you lose a tooth or a number of teeth, there are various options open to you. Losing a tooth can be distressing, but the good news is that modern prostheses are incredibly effective as well as natural looking, so rest assured that we can restore your smile to its former glory. If you have a single, multiple or full arches of missing teeth, we can help. Call today to find out more about our terrific tooth replacements.
What are my options?
There are three main options for replacing missing teeth. These are dental bridges, dentures and dental implants.
Dental bridges: bridges are a reliable and effective solution for missing teeth and are commonly used when a single tooth has been lost. Bridges are usually made from ceramics, and can sometimes be fused to metal. A traditional fixed bridge is made from a bar of crowns and literally bridges the gap left by a lost tooth. These bridges take two sessions to make and fit and should last for up to 15 years. Bridge treatment is simple and painless. The first session is used to plan treatment and create the template for the bridge and the second appointment (usually two weeks later) is used to place the bridge.
Dentures: dentures are sets of prosthetic teeth used to replace multiple teeth or entire arches of teeth. They are generally made from acrylic and metal and modern dentures are very lifelike. Dentures are custom-fit for the individual and are built to last. We will check your denture every time you have a check-up and can provide repairs and replacements with minimal hassle. Dentures are a good choice for those with a large number of missing teeth and the treatment process is very simple.
Dental implants: dental implants offer a long-term option for patients with single or multiple missing teeth. The implant itself replaces the missing tooth root and it is then attached to a crown, bridge or denture, which replaces the crown section. Implants last for many years and they offer the same level of stability and functionality as a natural tooth root.
If you would like to discuss your treatment options with our experience dental team, call us today!
Missing teeth can cause all kinds of problems and at Clifton Dental Studio, we have the perfect solutions. Our magnificent missing tooth treatments restore smiles, boost confidence, enable you to eat a healthy, balanced diet and enjoy better standards of oral health. Our tooth replacements include:
Dental bridges
Dental bridges are a popular solution for people who have a single missing tooth or a few gaps in their smile. Bridges are traditionally made from a false tooth fused to a crown on either side and they are an affordable and convenient treatment option. Treatment can be completed in two sessions and bridges are made from durable materials such as metals and ceramics. They last up to 15 years. Ceramic bridges are popular because they look incredibly natural.
Dental implants
Dental implants are the most versatile tooth replacement solution on the market at the moment and they are suitable for the vast majority of people with missing teeth, regardless of age and how many teeth are missing. The aim of the implant, which is a small prosthesis made from titanium, is to replace the root of the missing tooth. Once the implant is secure in the jaw bone, it is then connected to a restoration and this stage of treatment replaces the visible part of the tooth. Implants are compatible with bridges, dentures and single crowns and they last for many years.
Dentures
Modern dentures are a simple and affordable means of replacing a few missing teeth or a full arch of lost teeth. Dentures are sets of natural-looking prosthetic teeth fitted for the individual. They are designed to function like natural teeth and are easy to look after.
If you are interested in tooth replacement treatment and would like to find out more about the options available at Clifton Dental Studio, don’t hesitate to call and book an appointment.
At Clifton Dental Studio we understand the unique needs of our clients and we aim to provide a range of treatment choices to suit every patient. We have a fantastic range of tooth replacements available to cater for our clients’ varying needs and preferences and are confident that we can find the perfect solution for you.
Replacing missing teeth
There are countless benefits of replacing missing teeth and we encourage our patients with missing teeth to consider replacement options. Today, there are some really amazing prostheses on offer and with replacement teeth, you can enjoy enhanced aesthetics, better oral health, clear speech and the ability to eat properly.
Our treatments
Our treatment list boasts:
Dental implants and All-on-4:dental implants are a long-term option suitable for patents with one or more missing teeth. Implants replace the tooth root and they are secured into the jaw bone tissue. They are then connected to a bridge, denture or crown. As well as traditional implants, we are delighted to offer All-on-4, a same-day implant treatment that uses four implants to anchor a full arch of new teeth.
Dentures and implant-retained dentures:dentures are sets of false teeth designed to look like natural teeth. They are secured by the suction power of the gums and the treatment process is quick and simple. Dentures are an affordable option for patients with several missing teeth or a full arch of lost teeth. We also offer implant-retained dentures, which offer the benefits of dentures and dental implants. These dentures enjoy enhanced security for increased bite power, natural aesthetics and peace of mind.
Dental bridges: bridges are a very popular option for patients who have a single missing tooth. The traditional fixed bridge, the most common type of bridge, is made from a false tooth with crown on each side for support. Many people choose to have a ceramic bridge that blends in with the natural teeth for a seamless aesthetic. Bridge treatment can be completed within 2-3 weeks and a bridge should last up to 15 years.
We offer a range of tooth replacement treatments for patients of all ages. If you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, we can help you to find an effective solution and enable you to enjoy a healthy, confident smile for 2015.
Our treatments
We are proud to offer a host of tooth replacement treatments to cater for our patients’ diverse needs. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or you are looking for a solution for a number of lost teeth, we can help.
Our treatment options include:
dental bridges
dentures and implant-retained dentures
dental implants
Dental bridges
Dental bridges are commonly used to replace a single missing tooth. They are usually made of a false tooth that is attached to a new crown on either side. Bridges can be made from ceramic or metals, and porcelain bridges are very popular because they provide natural aesthetics. The treatment process is simple and bridges usually last up to 15 years.
Dentures
Dentures are sets of false teeth that are designed to take on the responsibilities of lost natural teeth. We provide complete and partial dentures, both of which are tailor-made for the individual. Modern dentures are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and functional and they offer a more affordable alternative to dental implants for patients with multiple missing teeth. We also provide implant-retained dentures. These dentures are anchored by dental implants.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a modern solution for tooth loss. These small screw-like appliances are made from titanium and placed inside tiny openings in the jawbone to replacing missing tooth roots. Once the implants have settled, they are then attached to a new restoration. Implants are wonderfully versatile because they can be connected to crowns, bridges and dentures. Implants are designed to last a lifetime and they are very easy to look after.
Christmas is a time for sharing happy times and treating yourself and others to presents, fine food and a few drinks, but if you’re feeling apprehensive about Christmas or dreading missing out on your favourite foods because of missing teeth, we can help! With our tooth replacement treatments, we can ensure that you will be able enjoy a slap-up festive meal and feel confident when you smile this Christmas!
Even a single missing tooth can have a massive impact on the look of your smile, as well as your confidence and the way you eat and speak, so we strongly recommend replacing missing teeth. We have a host of options available and are here to help, whether you need one new tooth or a full arch of new teeth.
Our treatments
Dental bridges: dental bridges are a popular choice for patients who are looking for a simple and affordable solution for a single missing tooth. Bridges are most commonly made from a false tooth that is connected to a new crown on either side. Bridges can be made from porcelain to ensure a natural result, and they usually last for around 10-15 years. Treatment usually involves 2 sessions around 2-3 weeks apart.
Dentures: dentures are commonly used to replace full sets of missing teeth, but we also offer partial dentures for those with fewer gaps. Dentures are designed to look and function like natural teeth, and modern styles are very aesthetically pleasing. Dentures are more affordable than dental implants and the treatment time is much shorter. Dentures are custom-made for the individual and we check the fit and the condition of the denture every time you have a routine check-up.
Dental implants: dental implants are made from titanium. They are small, screw-like appliances, and are inserted directly into openings in the jaw bone. The implants replace the root of the tooth and the crown, bridge or denture replaces the visible part of the missing tooth. Implants are built to last a lifetime, and they provide the same standard of functionality as natural teeth. They can be used to replace any number of lost teeth and are suitable for patients of all ages.
At Clifton Dental Studio, we are proud to offer our clients a variety of treatment options, including the latest tooth replacement treatments. If you’re suffering from a missing tooth or you’ve lost multiple teeth, we have the perfect treatments to restore your smile, boost your confidence and enable you to enjoy all your favourite foods again.
Our treatments include dental bridges, implants and modern dentures.
Dental bridges
A very popular solution for patients with a single missing tooth, we usually complete dental bridge treatment in two sessions over a period of 2 weeks. Bridges are usually made from an artificial tooth, which is fused to a crown on each side of the gap. We like to recommend ceramic bridges as they blend in perfectly with the natural tooth shade, so you can’t differentiate between the false tooth and the natural teeth. Bridges should last for around 10-15 years.
Dentures
Dentures are an excellent option for patients that have a large number of missing teeth. They are a tried and tested means of replacing missing teeth and they enable you to enjoy a healthy and natural looking smile, as well as strong, functional teeth. We offer partial and full dentures and we use the finest materials to create amazing, durable dentures.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a modern solution for missing teeth, as the aim of the implant is to replace the tooth root. The implant is secured into a socket in the jaw bone and it then integrates into the bone tissue. Once it has gone through this process, it can then be joined onto a bridge, crown or denture and treatment is complete. The tooth will look completely natural and as it is anchored in the same way as a natural tooth, you can enjoy greater bite power and increased stability.
Whatever your tooth replacement needs, we are here to help! Call us now to arrange your consultation.
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