DENTAL BRIDGES

Replace your missing tooth and restore your smile with a dental bridge.

Each tooth has a purpose and when one or more is missing, the others will try to compensate. They can move, shift and drift into the spaces left by the missing teeth, causing them to become misaligned. Problems with speech, chewing and other functions of the mouth can be impaired. This is why it is important to replace missing teeth.

If you are looking for an attractive way to replace missing teeth, we are here to discuss your options and why a dental bridge may be your best fit.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a device designed to replace missing teeth. Artificial teeth are created to fill in the space where one or more of your teeth used to be.

Dental bridges are permanently bonded to the natural teeth and require healthy surrounding teeth to offer adequate bone support.

Why would I need a dental bridge?

If you do not replace missing teeth, you are likely to experience:

Bite problems.
Difficulty chewing
Speech difficulties
Teeth misalignment
Pain caused by the extra strain on your teeth and jaw
Self-consciousness about the way you look or your smile

Dental bridge procedure

A dental bridge procedure involves multiple steps and requires two separate appointments.

This is the usual process of a traditional bridge:

At your first appointment, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb your gums and surrounding area where the bridge will be applied.
The adjacent teeth are sized and prepared to allow for the bridge to be applied.
An impression is taken of your teeth and sent off to a dental laboratory where your custom made bridge is fabricated.
A temporary bridge is applied to protect your teeth until your permanent bridge is ready.
When your permanent bridge is complete, we remove your temporary bridge and apply your permanent one restoring your smile.

What materials do you use for my dental bridge?

Bridges can be constructed from zirconia, porcelain, PFM (porcelain fused to metal) or gold.

Dental bridge aftercare.

It is important to care for your new bridge to ensure its longevity. Here are some of ways in which you can do this:

Brush and floss daily.

It is important to brush and floss your new bridge regularly. To avoid dislodging the temporary crown, pull the floss through from the side, rather than up through the teeth. A Proxabrush is recommended to help gently remove bacteria from between the teeth.

Use fluoride toothpaste and antiseptic mouth rinse.

This will help to keep the teeth and gum clean from infection.

Refrain from hot drinks.

During these procedures, you will receive anesthetics that may cause temporary numbness of your teeth, tongue, lips and roof of your mouth. Please refrain from eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off to avoid any burns to those areas.

Avoid eating sticky and hard foods.

Temporary crowns are placed over the teeth to protect them while your custom bridge is being made. Very occasionally the temporary crowns can come off. We recommend avoiding sticky and hard foods like popcorn, caramel, nuts, hard candies and ice, until your permanent bridge is cemented. Also, if possible, we suggest chewing on the opposite side of where your bridge has been applied.

Tooth Sensitivity

After your dental bridge procedure, it is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity. This should subside a few weeks after the placement of your permanent bridge. Mild pain relievers may be used as directed by our office.