What are bridges? A quick guide from our dentist
It is a fact of life that most people have a missing tooth.
It may seem to be no big deal, but if left as a gap, it can cause the surrounding teeth to move, creating misalignments.
Therefore, if you have more than a single missing tooth, you are more likely to have tooth movement, as well as issues with biting and chewing.
There is, of course, a solution known as a dental bridge, which can close a gap of up to 4 missing teeth in a row.
At Enhance Dental, our dentist in Crawley has been working with people who have missing teeth for many years, and we can offer you an array of options to help close the gaps in your smile without your false teeth looking out of place.
So, at this point, you may be wondering about the different kinds of bridges that our dentist in Crawley can offer you. Here is a quick guide!
What are dental bridges?
A dental bridge is one of the oldest dental tools, and they can replace up to 4 missing teeth. These bridges consist of artificial teeth, which our dentist in Crawley calls pontics. These pontics are secured either to nearby teeth or are supported with oral implants.
Types of dental bridges
Several types of dental bridges are available, and the choice depends on the specific dental condition and the patient’s preferences. There are 4 different types, which we will look at here.
Traditional dental bridges
Traditional bridges involve placing pontics between two dental crowns. The crowns are then fitted over the neighbouring teeth on either side of the bride, making it secure and holding it in place.
Cantilever bridges
These bridges are suitable when there’s only one adjacent tooth next to the gap. The pontic is supported by a single dental crown cemented to the adjacent tooth. As you can see, this is more appropriate when there is a single missing tooth.
Maryland bridges
These bridges consist of a pontic with the wings being attached to the back of the nearby teeth. Maryland bridges require less tooth preparation than the traditional bridges we offer, making them an ideal option for specific cases.
Implant-supported bridges
For individuals with multiple missing teeth, implant-supported bridges are a superior solution. These bridges are anchored to dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone, offering exceptional stability and durability.
The bridge procedure
Getting a dental bridge typically requires multiple visits to see our team. During your initial visit to see us at Enhance Dental, we will examine the oral cavity, take X-rays, and prepare the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the gap) by reshaping them to accommodate the dental crowns. Next, impressions of the teeth are taken to create a customised dental bridge that fits perfectly in the mouth.
While the permanent bridge is being crafted in a dental laboratory, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and maintain aesthetics. Once the permanent bridge is perfect, we will remove the temporary one and cement the new bridge in place, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.