Missing a tooth can not only cause an unsightly gap, but it can also negatively impact your self-confidence, speech, and eating habits. It can interfere with your ability to eat and speak normally. Filling that gap as soon as possible is essential for your oral health and general health.
When you are missing one or more of your teeth, a dental bridge may be the ideal solution to restore the function and appearance of your smile. It will allow you to eat your favourite foods and speak without feeling self-conscious about the gaps you used to have.
A bridge looks like crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, joined by a false tooth (or teeth) in between, thus forming a “bridge” across the open space. They can also be placed directly on top of dental implants to replace more teeth at one time.
Most bridges are typically constructed from porcelain, but an underlying supporting structure made of platinum, nickel, gold, or chromium alloys may be used for strength. The overlying porcelain is coloured as closely as possible to your existing teeth so that it blends in seamlessly.
A dental bridge may be one of the best ways to replace one or two missing teeth. Bridges are a cost-effective tooth replacement option, and unlike removable partial dentures, they are fixed over the neighbouring teeth. It can restore your ability to speak and chew and improve the bite distribution of your teeth. After a dental extraction, a bridge can help to preserve your smile’s aesthetics and prevent the teeth from moving or drifting.
Choose Smiles in Currambine for high-quality dentistry, ensuring a positive and stress-free experience. With our sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide, prescription medication, and intravenous sedation, you'll receive treatment without any discomfort or stress.
Rest assured, your dental needs are in safe hands with our team. We offer financing options, eliminating upfront payment worries. We are open on Saturdays for your convenience, working closely with you to create an individualized plan for restoring your smile to its natural and beautiful state.
At Smiles in Currambine, we prioritize your smile's restoration with exceptional dental bridges. Our team is committed to providing the dentistry you deserve, ensuring a positive and comfortable experience throughout your treatment journey. Experience the difference at our practice today!"
You may need a dental bridge to replace a tooth after extraction or when you lose a tooth due to decay, trauma, gum disease, or old age. If you need dental implants but can’t get them for medical reasons, your dentist may suggest a dental bridge.
Here are the four basic types of bridges:
- Traditional Bridges: A traditional bridge is made up of false teeth and dental crowns that are cemented onto the abutment teeth. A conventional bridge is used when both sides of the gap have healthy teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: A cantilever bridge requires just one natural tooth next to the gap to hold the bridge in place. A single abutment tooth supports the pontic. Usually, a cantilever bridge is used to replace front teeth.
- Maryland Bridge: A Maryland bridge is a resin-bonded bridge that uses resin cement to bond a framework to the gum line to support your existing teeth. An implant on either side of the bridge is directly attached to one of the wings and holds the bridge firmly in place.
- Implant-supported Bridges: A dental bridge supported by dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks is called an implant-supported dental bridge. Dental implants hold the bridge in place for each missing tooth. It typically requires two surgeries and can take a few months to complete. It is the strongest and most stable method.
Usually, dental bridge procedures require two dental visits. The first visit involves tooth preparation. A local anaesthetic may be administered, and the abutment teeth are then shaped and filed by your dentist. Dental impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to the laboratory so that you can get your custom-made dental bridge. As the permanent bridge is being made, a temporary bridge will cover the newly shaped teeth and the gap until the permanent bridge is ready.
We will schedule a second appointment when the permanent bridge is ready. If there is any discomfort, a local anaesthetic may be administered, and the temporary bridge will be removed. Once that is accomplished, your dentist will clean your teeth. Your dentist will take x-rays of the bridge to ensure it fits properly. Lastly, your teeth and the bridge will be glued together with dental cement.
A bridge can last many years without causing complications if it is properly maintained. Deterioration of the cement or decay of the surrounding teeth can cause the bridge to fail. When a bridge becomes loose, your dentist may be able to reattach it with new cement if the teeth supporting it are healthy and intact.
In good care, dental bridges can last for more than ten years. The surface of your bridge should be brushed with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, just like natural teeth. It is also important to floss between each pontic tooth every day. To maintain healthy gums and make your bridges last longer, it is recommended to schedule regular dental appointments. In addition, you should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods, such as caramel or popcorn, and excessive intake of sugary and acidic foods.
Dental bridge costs are determined by various factors, including the number of missing teeth, the type of bridge used, the placement’s difficulty, and whether additional dental treatments are needed. Dental bridges can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000. On the other hand, an implant-supported bridge can cost up to $9,000.
A partial denture is an alternative to dental bridges. Clasps are used to attach them, and they can be removed for cleaning at will. Alternatively, dental implants provide a more permanent alternative to a removable denture if you need a tooth replacement option.
If you have missing teeth and are considering dental bridges as a solution, book your dental bridges appointment now. Restore your smile, regain functionality, and enjoy the confidence of a complete set of teeth.
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