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Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges 'bridge' the gap left by missing teeth, making it easier to chew and speak, and keeping your natural teeth from shifting.

What is a bridge?

Dental bridges replace one or more natural missing teeth, thereby "bridging" the space between two teeth.

Fixed bridges are cemented into place on the neighbouring teeth on either side of the space, or "span." Fixed bridges are permanent and cannot be taken out of the mouth by the patient.

Who should get a bridge?

People who are missing teeth and who practice good oral hygiene habits are typically good candidate for bridges. The empty space left by missing teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to move out of position if left unfilled, and this can cause increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause further tooth loss, not to mention discomfort

Fixed bridges enhancemake your smile look better, and make chewing and speaking easier. Aside from having a full smile, bridges can also safeguard you appearance by preventing your facial features from collapsing, which can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.

What type of bridges are there?

Resin bonded or "Maryland" bridge are a popular style of bridge that are primarily used for the front teeth. They are usually the most inexpensive choice when the abutment teeth are healthy and don't contain substaintial fillings.

The pontic is fused to metal that is bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin cement and hidden from view. This reduces the amount of preparation necessary on the adjacent teeth.

A cantilever bridge is for when there are teeth on only one side of the span. This involves anchoring the pontic to one side over one or more natural, adjacent teeth.

If there are no adjacent teeth to act as anchors, we can place a dental implant as an abutment, a metal post that is surgically embedded in the bone, and capped with a crown. The bridge can then be securely attached to this.

What are the dental bridge procedures involved?

For a standard fixed bridge, at the first appointment the dentist will reduce the adjacent abutment teeth that will act as anchors.

Impressions of your teeth will then be made, based on which a metal framework, including the pontic, is created and covered in porcelain.

It's even possible to make bridges where the framework is constructed of zirconia (a white material), which is then covered in porcelain (for the best aesthetic results).

The final bridge is fitted over the teeth during the second appointment. The total treatment time is usually two weeks, but depends on the type of bridge.

We always recommend that our patients who are having major restorative work done (implants, crowns, veneers, bridges) do a course of bleaching prior to having the work done.

If the restorative work is matched to the yellow or grey teeth, there is no way to change the colour after the work is completed.

How do I care for a bridge?

Brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly are even more important when you have a bridge.

Your dentist may suggest you use floss threaders to make it easier to remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums.

Iver time, you may eventually need dental bridge repair work. However if you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed bridge to last 10 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer.