Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – with a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges are that they :

   • Restore your smile
   • Restore your ability to properly chew and speak
   • Maintain the shape of your face, help keep wrinkles away
   • Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
   • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
   • Are fixed in the mouth, and cannot be removed by the patient

There are three main types of bridges:

   • Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the
      missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of
      bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
   • Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing
      tooth or teeth.
   • Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) are made of
      plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge
      are bonded to your existing teeth.

Dental bridges can last 5 to 7 years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular prophylaxis, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.

What is the Procedure?

During the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared. Preparation involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of your teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental laboratory. We will usually make a temporary bridge for you to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your bridge is being made.

During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual's case.

Can I have a bridge fitted straight away?

In many people it can take up to 6 months for the gums to heal properly after and extraction. This means that you may need to have a temporary denture for 6 months before the bridge is fitted.

How do I look after my bridge?

You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.

Can I have teeth which attach to the jawbone?

Yes. By having implants. The success of this technique means you may be able to replace missing teeth without crowning other teeth. Remember that it’s as important to care for your remaining teeth as it is to replace the missing ones.