Bridges

Bridges are dental appliances that replace lost teeth and can be either fixed or removable. They help maintain the shape of your face and reduce the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth.

A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth. In most cases, they are very natural and unnoticeable. They ‘bridge’ the gap where one or more teeth should be.

What are dental bridges? You have one or more missing teeth due to decay or an accident. This loss changes the look of your smile, your bite, and puts stress on surrounding teeth to compensate for the lost tooth. One option may suggest for replacing the lost tooth is with a bridge. The missing tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth connected between two crowns (caps) which are permanently cemented or bonded on the adjacent teeth. Having a bridge is like having three crowns. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns, an impression is made, and the case is sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory then makes the crowns and fastens a false tooth between the two crowns - this is a bridge. The advantages of a bridge are that it is fixed, stable, and feels like your own teeth. In most cases it can be made to look just like you never had a tooth missing. Why should I replace missing teeth? Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by missing tooth can mean greater strain on the teeth at either side. A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease. How are missing teeth replaced? This depends on the number of teeth missing and on where they are in the mouth. The condition of the other teeth also affects the decision. There are two main two ways to replace the missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth – a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge. A bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. Can I always have a bridge to replace missing teeth? Yes, if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support. Your dentist will help you decide which is the best way of replacing the teeth within your budget. What are bridges made of? Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base. If the bridge will show, porcelain is then bonded to the base. Sometimes, there are other nonprecious metals used in the base to reduce the cost.