Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are basically false teeth that are attached to adjacent teeth. This is done to replace one or more missing teeth. The false tooth is called a pontic. The pontic is fused between two crowns which serve as anchors.

The anchors are attached to the teeth on either side of the false tooth.

A dental bridge consist of the following:

A false tooth or pontic replaces the missing tooth. This is made from gold, alloys, or porcelain. Two crowns – serving to anchor the false tooth in place. When does a patient need a dental bridges?

Bridges are recommended when there are one or more teeth missing that affect:

• Your smile and appearance.
• Your bite, as a result of adjacent teeth leaning into the space and altering the way the upper and lower teeth bite together.
• Your speech.
• The shape of your face.
• The rate of gum disease and tooth decay as a result of food accumulated in the gap.

Is it important to replace missing teeth?

Yes, missing teeth must be replaced for many reasons:

• To improve your appearance.
• To reduce the strain on the teeth at either side of the missing tooth.
• To prevent the neighboring teeth from leaning into the resulting gap and altering the bite.
• To prevent gum disease and tooth decay due to accumulation of food in the gap.

There are three main types of dental bridges:

• Traditional fixed bridge
• Resin-bonded bridges or Maryland-bonded bridges
• Cantilever bridges

What are bridges made off?

Bridges may be made of

• Porcelain.
• All-metal dental bridges (gold).
• Porcelain bonded to precious metal.

How are dental bridges fitted?

At the first appointment:

• The dentist will numb the area with a mild anaesthetic.
• The teeth on either side of the space are prepared by trimming away a small area in order to accommodate the new crown over them.
• The dentist then uses dental putty to make an impression of the teeth, which will be used to make the bridge and crown in the laboratory.
• A temporary bridge is fitted in to protect the exposed gums and teeth.
• A Vita shade guide may be used to determine the right shade for the dental bridge, by selecting a shade that resembles natural colour variations in your teeth, as well as suits your complexion, hair colour, the colour of your natural teeth and even your eye colour.

At the second appointment:

• The temporary bridge is removed and the custom-made bridge is fitted, checked for its fit and bite, and adjusted accordingly. It is then cemented into place.
• Multiple visits are often required to check and adjust the fit.
• In case of permanent or fixed bridges, the bridge is temporarily cemented for a couple of weeks and checked for its fit. It is permanently cemented only after several weeks.

How long will my dental bridges last?

A Dental bridges can last 10-15 years provided you maintain healthy eating habits.