Get a Complete Smile with Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are one option for patients with missing one or more teeth. It keeps you from getting a dental implant, which is more invasive and gives you the confidence of a bright, healthy smile.
A bridge helps restore function by keeping other teeth from moving. It also lets you eat and talk properly and makes your smile look more natural. If you don’t replenish a missing tooth, the teeth around it will move into the space, leading to more problems with your bite.
We at Westgate Dental Centre are here to help restore your smile by discussing various dental bridges, including traditional, Maryland, and dental implant-supported bridges. Also, we take care of your oral needs with absolute professionalism and precision. Our team works diligently to get the permanent results you’re looking for.
WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?
A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic to fill a gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. Bridges look just like natural teeth because they fit the existing teeth’ size, shape, and colour.
In addition, a dental bridge is permanent, as opposed to dentures. Therefore, dental bridges are an excellent option for tooth replacement. Dental bridges or fixed partial dentures has of two main parts:
- Abutments- These are the teeth that support the bridge. It could be your teeth or dental implants. Usually, there are abutments on both sides of the missing teeth.
- Pontics- A false teeth that “bridge the gap” between the abutments. If you’re missing several teeth, there can be more than one point.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
There are a few main ways in which dental bridges and dental implants are different. The traditional option is a dental bridge consisting of a false tooth (called a “pontic”) kept in place by two dental crowns.
In contrast, dental implants are a more permanent solution that involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone and attaching a dental crown to the post. Dental bridges may need to be changed every five to 15 years, depending on proper care, while implants are a permanent solution.
Types
When it comes to teeth bridge, there are quite a few different types from which you can choose depending on the condition of your gum and teeth and the location of your missing tooth or teeth. Here are the four main types of dental bridges:
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is a false tooth fixed in place by crowns glued to each abutment tooth. Also, it is the most popular type of dental bridge, and you can use it if you have teeth on both sides of the gap left by your missing tooth.
Maryland Dental Bridge
Like a traditional bridge, a Maryland dental bridge uses two natural teeth on either side of the gap to hold it up. A traditional bridge uses dental crowns on the abutment teeth. In contrast, a Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the abutment teeth.
Moreover, you can only use a Maryland bridge if you have a natural tooth on each side of the space left by the missing tooth or teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
Even though a cantilever dental bridge is like a traditional bridge, the pontic is placed by a dental crown glued to only one of the abutment teeth. For a cantilever bridge, you only need one healthy tooth next to the space where a tooth is missing.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
Implant-supported bridges don’t use crowns or frameworks. Instead, they are held together by dental implants. Usually, one implant is placed surgically for each missing tooth. This keeps the bridge in place.
If you can’t get an implant for each missing tooth, the bridge may have a pontic that hangs between two crowns held in place by implants. It is also the strongest and most stable system. Additionally, an implant-supported bridge usually takes two surgeries and a few months to finish.
- put the implants in the jawbone
- placed the bridge in place
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A teeth bridge is a great way to replace a missing tooth for several reasons:
Avoids an Invasive Implant
Dental implants are affixed to the bone below the gum line, and some patients prefer not to do this procedure. Consequently, teeth bridges are less invasive and cheaper than dental implants. Also, implants are unsuitable for those with poor gum or jaw health.
Better Oral Health
A missing tooth can cause faster deterioration in your other teeth and tooth movement for the remaining teeth, which means a bridge can improve your dental health.
Normal Functionality
You will be able to eat, drink, and normally talk after getting a dental bridge. Also, they are easy to maintain as compared to other alternatives.
A Full Smile and Confidence
A patient with missing teeth may feel less confident, which is why some choose to smile with their mouths closed rather than show the gap. A bridge puts in a tooth that looks like it belongs there.
Dental Bridge Procedure
Most of the time, you’ll need at least two appointments:
- Abutment teeth preparation: During your first visit, your dentist reshapes the teeth. They will remove some of the enamel and dentin so the crown can fit.
- Impressions: Your dentist takes a mould of your teeth or a digital scan. The mould or scan is used as a guide by a dental laboratory to make your bridge, false teeth, and crowns. While the lab makes your bridge, you’ll have a temporary bridge to protect the exposed parts of your mouth.
- Permanent bridge placement: During your second visit, your provider will remove the temporary bridge and put in the permanent one. Your provider will check the bridge carefully and make any necessary changes to ensure it fits you well.
Choose Westgate Dental Centre for Your Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can give you the complete, confident smile you deserve. Whether you need a traditional bridge, a cantilever bridge, a Maryland bridge, or an implant-supported bridge, we have the perfect solution for you. Our compassionate team will work with you to determine the best type of dental bridge for your needs and help you achieve the beautiful, functional smile you desire.
Are you considering a dental bridge procedure? We understand that this decision is not always easy at Westgate Dental Centre, and we are here to help. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to talk to you about your options and help you decide what’s best for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Types of Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges come in several types, including:
Type of Bridge | Description |
Traditional Bridge | Artificial tooth are held in place by dental crowns on adjacent teeth. |
Cantilever Bridge | Artificial tooth anchored by dental crowns on one adjacent tooth. |
Maryland Bridge | Artificial tooth are attached to adjacent teeth using a metal framework. |
Implant-Supported Bridge | Artificial tooth anchored by dental implants, no crowns on natural teeth. |
How Is a Dental Bridge Installed?
The installation may involve two dental appointments:
1. Tooth Preparation (Abutment Teeth)
The dental bridge installation begins with the preparation of the adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth. The dentist then removes a portion of the enamel from the abutment teeth. Enamel removal involves reshaping the teeth to accommodate the crowns.
2. Temporary Bridge Placement
A temporary or provisional bridge is placed on the prepared abutment teeth after the tooth preparation step. The temporary bridge serves several important functions:
- It protects the exposed abutment teeth and the underlying gums while the permanent bridge is fabricated. This prevents sensitivity and potential damage.
- It restores the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. Allows you to chew and speak normally during the waiting period.
- Ensures that the fit and alignment of the permanent bridge will be accurate.
The technicians will then use the impressions to craft the permanent dental bridge, which they then cement in place on the prepared abutment teeth. The crowns on the abutment teeth serve as anchors, securely holding the artificial tooth or teeth (pontics) in the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth.
How Do I Care for a Dental Bridge?
Dental Bridge Maintenance | Description |
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene |
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Use Specialized Cleaning Tools |
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Attend Regular Dental Check-ups |
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