Bridges are known as an alternative to Dental Implants for replacing missing teeth. Not replacing missing teeth can cause more serious problems including more loss of teeth, shifting of other teeth, chewing and bite difficulties, appearance and speech issues, gum disease, or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD).
What is a dental bridge?
A Dental Bridge, from the term itself, is a procedure for closing a missing teeth gap by using a bridge. A bridge is constructed by joining two crowns (or abutment teeth) on either side of the gap, to act as a bridge for the pontics (false tooth).
Dental Bridges look and feel natural, without hooks or clasps, and stays in permanently. These are mainly supported by natural teeth or implants. The abutment teeth must be healthy and stable for the bridge.
Types of bridges
Bridges can be done in different methods:
- Traditional Bridges
Traditional Bridges are the most popular dental bridge especially when patients have natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth gap. It is done by using cemented dental crowns in the abutment teeth. - Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever Bridges only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap to be done. It is done with one crown only, cemented to one abutment tooth. - Maryland Bonded Bridges
Maryland Bridges are quite similar to Traditional Bridges because it uses two natural abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. However, instead of using cemented crowns, the Maryland Bridge uses a framework of bonded metal or porcelain to the backs of the abutment teeth.
Cost
The two main factors that will determine the cost of your dental bridges are:
- The type of bridge and number of abutment teeth needed
- The number, and material & quality of the Pontics
Advantages & Disadvantages
Not sure if you should consider Dental Bridges? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide:
Advantages
- Dental Bridges are easy, comfortable, and lightweight.
- Bridges correct and re-distribute the normal bite force, in relation to your missing teeth.
- Bridges control the shifting of the abutment teeth beside the missing tooth.
- Bridges can last for 10-15 years when taken care of.
Disadvantages
- Without good hygiene, Bridges can loosen or fall out.
- Problems with the abutment teeth may affect the Bridge.
- Not advisable to be done in young/virgin teeth.
- Should not be designed too long to avoid stress in the abutment teeth.
Process of getting bridges
At MS Dental, getting your Dental Bridges is an easy two-step appointment.
First Appointment
During your first appointment, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and place a temporary crown. The dentist will first take a permanent impression of your lower and upper teeth to record their appearance and occlusion. Once done, the dentist will apply local anaesthetic to prepare the abutment teeth shaping. After shaping the abutment teeth smaller, another impression will be taken to record appearance changes.
Before leaving the clinic, a temporary crown will be placed to the shaped teeth with temporary cement. This will be a jaw-shaped tray filled with a soft, gel-like material, pushed onto the teeth, and held in place for 3-5 minutes.
Your impressions will now be sent to the dental lab to create the permanent bridge.
Second Appointment
During the second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed, and the new permanent Bridge will be placed. The shape and colour of the crown will be checked to ensure perfect match for you.
If the Bridge properly fits, the permanent Bridge will then be cemented to the teeth. A final occlusion test will be done to check if you are comfortable with your bite. Minor adjustments are often done during this checking to guarantee comfort.
How Do I Care for a Bridge?
Maintaining a Bridge is not far from normal dental health care. You should brush and floss teeth as normal and continue to meet your dentist for a regular check-up & clean appointment every 6 months. The only additional care that will be required for your Bridge is using a different kind of floss called “Super Floss”. Super Floss is specifically designed to get underneath the Pontic of the Bridge.
How Do I Care for a Bridge?
Browse our patient’s smile gallery before and after their Bridges:
Interested in Dental Bridges? We’ll be happy to help.
Cardiff
Phone: (02) 4954 7722
Email: cardiff@msdental.com.au
Open Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Thursday 9:00AM – 7:00PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Singleton
Phone: (02) 6572 2526
Email: singleton@msdental.com.au
Open Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30PM
Fletcher
Phone: (02) 4953 8614
Email: fletcher@msdental.com.au
Open Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
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