A dental bridge is the perfect solution for restoring multiple missing adjacent teeth. A bridge can restore your smile effectively.
A bridge is a dental restoration that is made up of several dental crowns fused together to literally ‘bridge' the gap left by missing teeth.
The bridge is attached to the real teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing teeth (see below). Bridges are usually made of porcelain or metal, or a mixture of the two. The bridge is fixed in place between the natural teeth and can provide an excellent alternative to dentures.
Who might need a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are popular cosmetic solutions for people who are missing a tooth (or several teeth) and have healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
Dental bridges can:
- Restore your smile
- Restore the ability to properly chew and speak
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
Types of Dental Bridges
There are typically three different types of dental bridges used in Australia.
- Traditional bridge - This type of bridge involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
- Maryland bonded bridge - This bridge is made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. This type uses metal or porcelain wings often on just one side of the bridge and are bonded to your existing teeth.
- Cantilever bridge - This typ is not common and is mostly used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.This type of bride is not reccommended for the back of the mouth as it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.
What is the dental bridge procedure?
During the first visit at GC Dental Solution your dentist will take a mould to make the bridge. In some cases it might also be necessary to file down the two healthy teeth on each side of the gap. You might be given a temporary bridge while waiting for your permanent bridge to be ready.
During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. After a couple weeks, the bridge is cemented into place.
By inserting dental implants into the main areas of tooth loss, Dr Sempf is able to utilise his skills to accurately attach the bridgework to the implants once the implants have fused with the jawbone.
More information
For more information about whether dental bridges are the right choice for you, please contact us at our Helensvale dental surgery on 07 5573 1368 or request a consultation below.
Request an initial consultation