Fixed Bridges Explained

What are they?

A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth.

What will my dentist do?

There are several stages to making a bridge

• The dentist will shave around the circumference of the adjacent teeth, to create a space which the crowns will be       cemented to.
• The dentist uses a soft, mouldable material to take impressions of your mouth and they are sent off to a Dental Technician who constructs the bridge. This takes 1 week; In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary bridge/crown.
• At your final visit, the dentist will check that the bridge fits, make any minor adjustments and then fix it permanently in place. Your dentist will advise you on how to keep the prosthesis clean.

What are the benefits?

• It is a permanently fixed prosthesis which prevents it from moving like dentures, which allows you forget that you have missing teeth.
• Natural teeth are protected from general wear and tear, and from moving or tilting out of line, which could cause your teeth to bite together incorrectly, incurring other dental problems.
• It restores the function of your teeth.
• It will maintain the structure of your face
• It can improve the way you smile, chew and speak.
• The teeth are matched to the existing colour of your teeth, making it discrete.
• A bridge can last many years, if you keep it clean it and if there is no accidental damage.

There are alternate options to fill gaps within your mouth such as Dental Implants and Dentures. Your dentist will explain how successful a dental bridge will be at your consultation.