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Bridging the Gap Between Missing Teeth

Missing or damaged teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. Using dental bridges is just one of the ways we can fix these problems while providing you with brand new fully-functional teeth that look and feel just like the real thing.

Dental bridges are structures made up of durable porcelain crowns used to replace missing or damaged teeth. Flanked on either side by crowns attached to natural teeth or dental implants, a bridge fills the empty space left by missing teeth.

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What Types of Dental Bridge Are Available?

There are four different types of dental bridge available and Woodborough House. These are:

  • Fixed bridge – These are fitted between two existing teeth using crowns.
  • Cantilever bridge – This type of bridge uses porcelain fused to metal. They are fixed to a tooth on one side where it is not possible to secure from either side; for example if there is no tooth.
  • Maryland bridge – Using resin composite to retain the bridge from the rear of two whole teeth – this solution requires less preparation, but doesn’t offer the same guarantee of longevity.
  • Implant-retained bridge – A permanent solution where titanium implants are placed into the jaw to secure anywhere up to an entire arch of teeth – this option can be used in circumstances where several dental implants are needed, and such a procedure is not possible.

During your initial consultation, we’ll assess your teeth and discuss which options we feel best suit your needs.

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How Are Dental Bridges Fitted?

Before your bridge is fitted, we’ll remove a portion of each of the abutment teeth. These sit either side of the gap that we’ll be placing replacement teeth into.

If you’re having an implant-retained bridge, we’ll place the titanium poles that will ultimately hold your bridge in position.

Once your abutment teeth or implants are prepared, we’ll take impressions so that your bridge can be made up.

While the permanent bridge is being skilfully crafted, we’ll fit a temporary solution. When your final bridge is ready, we’ll ask you to return to the clinic and we’ll remove the temporary structure. This will be done under local anesthetic.

While fitting the permanent bridge, we’ll take x-ray images to ensure a perfect placement is attained. Once we’re satisfied with the position of your bridge, it will be bonded in place.

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Caring for Your Dental Bridge

As with dental crowns, if your bridge is cared for, it will last many years. Maintaining an exceptional standard of oral hygiene is important as plaque can build up where the pontic (the fake tooth) rests against the gum.

Brushing twice daily, using mouthwash, and making regular appointments with our dental hygienist will ensure that cavities don’t form at the bridge edge.

Start Your Journey Today

To discuss dental bridges with our patient and skilled team of experts, get in touch today and schedule a consultation.

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