If you are missing a tooth or teeth then a dental bridge could be the ideal solution. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial ones. The replacement tooth or teeth are anchored to the natural teeth on each or one side of the gap – creating a permanent bridge. A bridge can restore your appearance; we can match your replacement teeth to your existing ones, creating a full and natural smile.
How a bridge works
A bridge works by creating a replacement false tooth or teeth that are then attached to your existing teeth by crowning the teeth on either side of the gap left by missing teeth. Bridges are usually made from metal that has been covered with a thin ceramic layer for a natural appearance. Modelled on your existing teeth the replacement teeth are designed and created in the dental laboratory to match the size, shape and colour of the missing teeth so that the bridge becomes almost indistinguishable from your real teeth. The bridge is cemented into your mouth, so unlike dentures, it is fixed in place and can’t be removed. This gives you more security and a stable base for eating, drinking and talking.
Getting a bridge fitted
Suitability for a bridge is dependent on the surrounding teeth being strong and healthy enough to support the bridge structure. Once your dentist has agreed that a bridge will be suitable for you, they will take impressions of the area and prepare the teeth. You will need to have the teeth on either side of the gap crowned and your dentist will reduce the size of the teeth around the gap to create space for this. The replacement tooth is fixed between the crowns and the structure is then fitted neatly over the existing teeth. You may need to come into the dental practice for a number of visits to have your bridge fitted.
Once fitted, your bridge will be a permanent support for your replacement teeth and with the right oral care, it should last a lifetime.