Fill the gap in your smile with a natural-looking dental bridge
Whether you have lost a tooth through an accident or if it has been extracted, bridges can effectively and reliably fill the gaps in your smile. Made either from porcelain fused to a metal base or from all ceramic for an aesthetic finish, bridges use the teeth on either side of the gap as support for the replacement tooth. Crowns slot over the abutment teeth with the false tooth acting as a bridge between them.
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Why have a bridge?
It is important to replace missing teeth in your smile, not just because it can affect confidence. Replacing teeth prevents the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, causing alignment issues. It also protects the otherwise vulnerable gums.
Bridges are a more secure alternative to partial dentures as they are fixed. We can also use a bridge in combination with implants to replace more than one missing tooth.
What does the treatment involve?
We first make sure that the teeth that will support the bridge are healthy and strong. They are then prepared by removing a layer of enamel.
We take impressions of the prepared teeth. These are sent to the dental laboratory. While your bridge is custom-made, we provide you with a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth.
When ready, we check your bridge, making sure it fits perfectly and making small adjustments if necessary. Your bridge is finally fixed in place with strong dental cement.
Types of bridges
Conventional bridge
With a conventional bridge, usually the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared, crowns are placed over the prepared teeth and these are attached to the artificial tooth (also called a pontic).
Adhesive (Maryland) bridges
Adhesive bridges require virtually no drilling of the teeth on either side of the gap to be filled. They can be made with metal or ceramic wings (brackets) glued to hold the false tooth securely in place. They work best when the teeth next to the gap are perfect or have very small fillings in them. They are much cheaper and easier than an implant, but they are not suitable for filling every gap.
Frequently asked questions
You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.
Although a bridge may seem costly it can be a wise investment that will give many years of good service. It will also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician, and in this way, it’s similar to ordering a piece of hand-made jewellery.
If bridges are well looked after, and that includes keeping the surrounding teeth healthy so they can continue to provide a solid foundation, they should last for over ten years.
The main alternatives to bridges for replacing missing teeth are partial dentures and dental implants. Bridges are seen as a more secure alternative to partial dentures, as they are fixed into place and will not move or slip. Implants are seen as superior in durability and aesthetics, but are more expensive. Bridges can be used in combination with implants to replace more than one missing tooth.
Getting in touch
To book an appointment, learn more about our treatments or for any further enquiries, please contact the practice today.
- 02920 614 444 | 02920 615 913
- info@cardiffdentalcare.com
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Church Road Dental Practice33 Church Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 2DY
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- 8:30 to 13:00 – 14:00 to 17:30
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