What are dental bridges?
Losing teeth can not only affect your appearance, but it can impact on the way you speak and eat which can have a detrimental effect on your confidence and health. At Forward Dental we can provide you with various long-term solutions – dental bridges being one.
A bridge is a false tooth (or teeth) attached permanently on either side. This can be done in one of two ways. Sometimes this is done by crowning the tooth, but if the adjacent tooth does not need crowning then you have damaged a healthy tooth which may lead to future problems. Crowns can also hide what may be happening to the tooth underneath. The second option is to use metal wings glued to the tooth. This method is less intrusive but needs careful planning to keep it securely in place.
The Process for Dental Bridges
Creating the perfect bridge is a collaborative process that usually takes two to three appointments, but we tailor the appointments to your needs:
- Initial Consultation: We take impressions and create models to decide which bridge best fits your position, function, and aesthetic goals.
- Tooth Preparation: Your dentist prepares the adjacent supporting teeth and takes another precise impression or scan. This is what the bridge is made on. Depending on the situation you may have a temporary bridge fitted at this stage.
- Permenant fit: Any temporary is removed and the final bridge where possible tried for fit, bite and aethetics.
The final bridge is matched to the color and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless look.
Initially, we will usually need some impressions of your teeth from which we can make models. These help us decide which type of bridge will be best.
Next, we prepare the teeth, with a local anaesthetic if needed and another impression taken on which the bridge is made.
The process is usually completed over two or three appointments and whilst you wait for the permanent bridge to be created your dentist may fit a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums.
There is a choice of materials for your bridge; your dentist can help you to decide. Factors such as position, function, appearance and cost will all impact on your decision.