What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed solution to tooth loss. It is cemented to one or more surrounding teeth and uses them for support. As well as improving the appearance of your smile, a dental bridge can help with speech and chewing ability, giving you a better ‘bite’.
Dental bridges are usually made of a precious metal and porcelain, but we now offer new materials such as Emax ceramic which provides a fantastic and natural aesthetic result.
Are dental bridges expensive?
Although a dental bridge may seem costly, they can be a wise investment that will give many years of good service. It will also improve your appearance and bite. A dental bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician, and in this way, it’s similar to ordering a piece of custom-made jewellery.
How do I look after my dental bridge?
In general, the better you look after your dental bridge, the better it looks after you! You need to clean your dental bridge every day to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. We will show you how to use either a special floss or interspace brushes on hard to reach areas in your mounth to help keep the bridge clean. We also advice regular dental hygiene appointments to maintain a healthy mouth and gums.
What are the alternatives to a dental bride?
The alternatives to a dental bridge are a dental implant, a denture or leaving the gap. Leaving the gap is not always a viable option, however, for you, it may be the best option. A dental implant does not need to take support from the adjacent tooth, meaning, we do not need to drill into the adjacent teeth, and so it is a biologically kinder option for your mouth. More information about dental implants be found by clicking here. The other alternative is a denture. A denture is removed each evening, but can repalce multiple teeth in one device in a more cost effective way. At your consultation, we can discuss all the options, and see what is best for you. You can book your consultation by clicking here
What’s the procedure for a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is usually completed in two appointments. The first is to prepare the teeth that the bridge will rest on, take some impressions of your teeth, and make some temporary teeth. By making temporary teeth, you never have to walk around with a missing tooth, where possible.
The second appointment is to fit your new dental bridge.
How long does a dental bridge last?
94 out of 100 bridges survived at 5 years, with almost 3 in 4 bridges lasting 15 years.
What are the advantages of a dental bridge?
Firstly, they can look excellent and very natural. They have very good longevity so they should last a long time, as long as your mouth is healthy, you’re brushing well and your mouth ready to accept one. It is fixed in place, so you are not removing it at night time.
The disadvantages are that it does require removing some tooth to be able to fix it in place. The adjacent teeth also need to be strong and healthy for a dental bridge to be successful. At your consultation, we will do a full assessment of your whole mouth to make sure that a dental bridge is the correct option for you.
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