A guide to bridges from our dental team
Do you have a gap of around 2 to 3 teeth in a row? Don’t you want to have oral implants due to missing teeth or issues with your jaw?
If so, there is another way that you can restore your bite strength while also closing the gap with a realistic-looking tooth; by using a bridge!
Bridges are not new in dental care and for many people, they are an easy-to-care-for and affordable way to close gaps in their teeth, without having to wait for months and months as they would with oral implants.
When you come to see our team at Brisbane General and Laser Dentists, our dental Coorparoo team will always aim to get your smile up and running again, whether you have a single missing tooth or an entire set. We will discuss the most suitable option for you and will then advise you on the best maintenance for your new teeth so they last as long as possible.
But, if you are new to the world of restorative dental care, you may be wondering what bridges are and how they are fitted. Our dental Coorparoo team answers these questions and many more in the guide below.
What are bridges?
According to our dental Coorparoo team, a bridge is a fitted appliance that is used to replace missing teeth. This can be accomplished by attaching the false teeth or the bridge to any adjacent natural teeth or securing them via dental implants.
If you need to have more than 4 teeth replaced, then we will opt to replace them with a partial denture rather than a bridge.
How they are fitted
The way a bridge is fitted will vary based on the type of bridge you are having fitted and other factors, such as the health of your gums and surrounding teeth.
A traditional fitted bridge will be fixed via 2 crowns that are attached to the natural teeth on either side of the bridge. Bonded bridges are also reliant on nearby natural teeth, but rather than crowns holding them in place, it is metal wings that are bonded to the teeth.
And finally, an implant-supported bridge is held in place with a dental implant, which will have fused to the jaw.
Maintenance
In order to keep your bridge functional, even if it is supported with a dental implant, you will need to keep your teeth healthy. If the bridge is attached using a crown or wings, then the health of these teeth is paramount to the bridge’s survival. So, be sure to see our team every 6 months for check-ups.
Advantages
The core advantages of a dental bridge are that it looks aesthetically pleasing, and of course, it closes any gaps in your teeth. Our team will aim to colour-match the prosthetic teeth with your surrounding teeth so they will not be noticeable.
If you have a bridge placed at the front of your mouth, then the security of the prosthetic will allow you to bite into and chew food with ease while also helping with speech.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.