Why Replace Missing Teeth ?
Apart from biting and chewing, teeth have other functions too. So, missing teeth should be replaced:

  1. To maintain natural bite
  2. To prevent shifting of other teeth around gaps
  3. To improve chewing function
  4. To improve appearance
  5. To improve speech
  6. To prevent stress to other teeth
  7. To avoid Gum disease
  8. To avoid temporomandibular joint (TMJD) disorders

What is a Dental Bridge ?
Dental Bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. They are literally the bridge that closes the gap due to missing teeth.

A bridge is constructed by preparing 2 crowns on the 2 teeth next to the space, the 2 crowns are joined together to replace the missing teeth.

Types of Bridges
There are 3 kinds of Dental Bridges:

Traditional Bridges
Cantilever Bridges
Maryland Bonded Bridges

Process of Dental Bridge
The Process of a Dental Bridge is very similar to the process of a crown, however for a bridge you are preparing multiple teeth next to the gap.

First Appointment:

1. Impression of teeth and temporary Crown
The Dentist will take a permanent impression of your lower and upper teeth for a record of their appearance and how they fit together when jaws are closed (called “occlusion”).

2. Preparation of the Bridge
The dentist will apply local Anaesthetic and the teeth are shaped and made smaller. After shaping, another impression is taken to record changes. To protect the prepared tooth, a temporary crown is attached to the shaped tooth with temporary cement. The Impressions are sent to a Dental Lab to make the Crown per the specifications

3. Preparation of the Temporary teeth.
A jaw-shaped tray is filled with a soft, gel-like material, pushed onto your teeth, and held in place to set for 3 to 5 minutes

Second Appointment:

1. The Temporary crown is removed. The new permanent bridge is placed over the shaped teeth to check the shape and check the colour match.
2. If everything is fine, the permanent bridge is cemented to the teeth with dental cement.
3. Finally, the dentist will test occlusion to check if you are comfortable with your bite. Minor adjustments are often required to achieve comfort

FAQs
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental Bridges can last for up to 10 years or more. Patients should practice good oral hygiene for bridges to last longer. In absence of good oral hygiene, sometimes Bridges can loosen or fall out.

If there is a Dental disease in the teeth or bone holding the Bridge, they may get loose.

Cost of Dental Bridge

Costs of Bridge is variable on a variety of factors including Type of Bridge or, The Number and Quality of crowns on the bridge.

Bridges – What is a PMF Bridge?

PMF stands for ‘Porcelain fused to Metal’. This is the material used to make the PMF Bridge.

How long does a dental bridge last?

On average a bridge can last between 5-15 years. This can vary from patient to patient and the oral hygiene of the patient is a major factor in this.

How should I care for my Bridge?

To maintain your bridge you should continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal and continue to see your dentist for your regular dental check up and cleans every 6months. The only additional care your bridge will require is the use of a different floss called “super floss”. This particular floss is designed to get underneath the ‘pontic’ of the bridge.