Bridges are a really effective and economical solution to missing teeth and play an important role in general dentistry, restoring confidence and mouth function after tooth loss.
They work by permanently fixing artificial teeth to natural teeth. The bridge can either be joined to the surface of these teeth or to crowns if they are damaged. Dental bridges generally last many years but you’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure that the anchor teeth remain healthy. Our dentists and hygienists will show you the best way of keeping your new bridge and the surrounding teeth clean.
What is a bridge
A bridge is a specialised dental appliance that is essentially two caps, joined by one or more false teeth that are set on the teeth framing a gap in between your teeth. Bridges are used when one or two teeth have been lost on one side of the mouth and functionality and appearance has been compromised.
Bridges allow you to eat without damaging existing teeth or gums as might be the case when the gap is left unprotected. This appliance supports your existing teeth and helps them maintain their proper alignment as well.
The procedure
The first step is to take an impression of your teeth so we can make plaster models of your upper and lower teeth and gums. These show us how your teeth bite together so that the teeth that will support the bridge can be prepared.
While we’re making the bridge we might give you a temporary bridge or temporary crown in the meantime, depending on your needs. During your final visit we’ll make minor adjustments and then fix it permanently in place.
Benefits of bridges
A bridge lets you forget you have missing teeth
A bridge can improve the way you look, eat and speak and bring you renewed quality of life
They are matched to the colour of your own teeth
