Dental Bridge Teeth Restorations
Quality dental bridges provide an affordable, non-invasive cosmetic solution to missing teeth. Book a “bridge prep” appointment with Micheal or Amanda to fill the gap in your smile or scroll down to learn more.
Affordable Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are made up of artificial teeth that bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. These artificial teeth are held in place by one or two abutment teeth which are either existing natural teeth or tooth implants. A fixed porcelain bridge is a cost-effective way to replace a single tooth or a couple of missing teeth.
Porcelain Bridges Look Natural
Dental porcelain looks natural. It is durable and remarkable in its ability to replicate both the form and function of original teeth.
Dental Bridge Alternatives
Two alternative cosmetic restorations to bridges are dentures which offer a more affordable solution to replacing many missing teeth and dental implants which offer the most stable solution of all.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges Provide Stability
Filling the gaps in your smile with dental bridges will provide stability and confidence when you smile, speak and eat. Fixed bridge restorations stabilise your jawbone, preventing your adjacent teeth from shifting to fill gaps caused by one or more missing teeth, reducing the risk of bone loss and maintaining your facial structure. Furthermore, the stability of bridge restorations protects your bite, preventing your teeth from wearing down over time.
Oral Health
- Equally distribute the forces in your bite preventing worn-down teeth
- Prevent healthy teeth from becoming misaligned
- Protect the integrity of your jawbone and maintain facial structure
Psychological Benefits
- Improve your smile with natural-looking teeth
- Build your self-esteem and boost your confidence
- Speak and eat without inhibition
Dental Bridge Options
- Traditional dental bridges
- Cantilever dental bridges
- Maryland Dental bridges
- Implant-supported dental bridges
Traditional dental bridges
The most popular type is the traditional dental bridge that can be used when natural teeth are located on both sides of the gap as the abutment teeth. These can contain one to four fake teeth to “bridge” the gap. The enamel from the abutment teeth will be removed and the teeth will be protected and strengthened with crowns to hold the bridge. A traditional bridge is one continuous piece and fits seamlessly into the gap, supporting up to 4 teeth.
Cantilever dental bridges
A cantilever bridge is used when there is only one natural tooth on one side of the gap. The enamel is removed from the abutment tooth and the tooth is crowned to protect and hold a pontic in place. Like the traditional bridge, the cantilever will be secured onto the natural tooth and fill the gap, but this can only support one tooth.
Maryland Dental bridges
A Maryland bridge offers a more conservative approach if you want to avoid crowns. A metal or porcelain framework secures the pontic to the gum line. The framework is then secured to the teeth near the gap. Maryland bridges can support one or two teeth.
Implant-supported dental bridges
Implant-supported bridges are similar to traditional dental bridges, but dental implants are surgically inserted to act as abutment teeth. This is a more expensive and more lengthy process as the implant surgery recovery time is around 6 months. However, bridges supported by implants can support between five and six teeth.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Traditional dental bridges can support 1 to 4 teeth.
Cantilever bridges can only support 1 tooth.
Maryland bridges can support 1 or 2 teeth.
Implant supported bridges can support up to 5 or 6 teeth.
First appointment for dental bridge preparation
Your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth besides the gaps to allow room for a bridge to be placed. Impressions of your teeth will be taken from which the dental technician will model your new bridged teeth. You will be given a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the new bridge is being modeled.
Second appointment to place the permanent bridge
Your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent bridge. The bridge will be carefully checked and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure the bridge fits correctly and feels comfortable in your mouth.
Your dental bridge should feel nearly as real and comfortable as your natural teeth. Many of our patients report a remarkable improvement with bridge restorations.
The difference between dental bridges vs dentures is that bridges are fixed to provide a permanent restoration and dentures are removable. Bridges are more stable but require more maintenance to avoid gum disease.
Abutment teeth supporting the dental bridge are vulnerable to infections if oral hygiene is neglected, regular brushing and flossing are therefore essential. Additionally, it is important to have 6 month dental checkups so that your dentist can check the fit regularly.