Maycroft Dental Practice
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are similar to a row of crowns joined together. They are fixed between two crowns to fill in the gap left by a missing tooth
Dental Bridges Made Simple
When you have a missing tooth, it affects the way you chew, eat, and can look odd when you smile.
These gaps can also cause the other teeth to move into the empty space, resulting in a bad bite. Dental bridges are the right solution in such a situation.
There are different types of materials from which bridges are made. Depending on where the bridge is to be placed, its role, aesthetic considerations and cost, our dentists will help you choose the right type of bridge.
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Get the quality care and treatment that you deserve from the Wirral's leading Dental Bridge Experts at Maycroft Dental Practice.
Pre-Bridge Preparation & Procedure
A bespoke & tailored process
On your first visit, we will first remove all traces of decay or damage from your mouth. This is common to any mouth restoration procedure. Then, our dentist will give anesthesia to numb the site of the bridge. The adjacent teeth need to be prepared for the correct taper and accommodate the thickness of the crown. If the adjacent teeth already have fillings, the filling may serve as a foundation for the crown.
An impression will be then prepared, which becomes the mould from which the bridge, false tooth and crowns will be prepared. A temporary bridge is put in place until the permanent one is ready. This temporary bridge helps protect your teeth and gums.
On your second visit to the dental clinic, the dental bridge procedure is completed. The permanent bridge is fitted and cemented in place.
Choosing Between a Bridge and a Filling
Selecting your best options
Dental bridges and dental fillings serve completely different purposes and hence cannot be compared in terms of their function. Dental fillings are restorations that sit within the walls of a tooth. They are used to fill a portion of the tooth eaten away by decay or damage; but the tooth is still there. But dental bridges are used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth.
Everything you
need to know
Dental bridges are used in dentistry to replace missing teeth. They “bridge” the gap where one or more teeth may have been before.
Here are some scenarios in which dental bridges are commonly used.
Where Are Dental Bridges Used?
Bridging the gap
Single Tooth Loss
The most common use of a dental bridge is to replace a single missing tooth. This can be due to decay, injury, or other reasons. A bridge will typically use the two adjacent teeth as supports, or ‘abutments,’ and a false tooth, or ‘pontic,’ will be placed in the gap.
Multiple Teeth Loss
In some cases, several adjacent teeth may be missing. A bridge can be used here as well, although the specifics will depend on the exact situation. For instance, the dentist may need to consider the health and strength of the potential abutment teeth, the bite forces in that area of the mouth, and the patient’s overall oral health.
Implant-Supported Bridges
In some cases, dental implants can be used as the abutment for a bridge, rather than natural teeth. This is often done when several teeth in a row are missing, or when the adjacent natural teeth aren’t strong enough to support a bridge.
Partial Dentures Replacement
For some people, a fixed bridge might be a more comfortable and convenient alternative to a removable partial denture.
Cosmetic Dentistry
In addition to their functional role, bridges can also be used for cosmetic purposes. For example, they can help maintain the shape of the patient’s face, distribute the forces in the bite properly, prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position, and restore the patient’s smile.
Dental Bridges vs Implants
Understanding your best treatment
Dental Bridge Advantages
Less Invasive:
Dental bridges typically require less invasive procedures than implants. They don’t require surgery, which is needed for implant placement.
Faster Treatment Time:
Dental bridges can usually be completed in two or three visits over a few weeks. Implants, on the other hand, can take several months or even longer to fully complete.
Lower Initial Cost:
Bridges are generally less expensive upfront than implants.
Dental Bridge Drawbacks
Impact on adjacent teeth:
Dental bridges involve preparing the teeth adjacent to the gap to support the bridge, which can sometimes damage healthy teeth.
Shorter lifespan:
Bridges generally last 5-15 years with proper care, which is typically shorter than the lifespan of an implant.
Potential for increased decay and gum disease:
Because bridges cover multiple teeth, it can be more difficult to clean between these teeth, potentially leading to increased decay or gum disease.
Dental Implant Advantages
Preservation of adjacent teeth:
Dental implants don’t require altering the structure of adjacent teeth, as they’re placed directly into the jawbone where the tooth root used to be
Bone preservation:
Since the implant replaces the tooth root, it provides the necessary stimulation to the bone, helping to prevent bone loss in the jaw. Bridges, on the other hand, don’t provide this stimulation.
Durability and longevity:
Implants are typically more durable than bridges and can last many years, often a lifetime, with proper care.
Dental Implant Drawbacks
Invasive procedure:
Implants require surgery, and as with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks, such as infection, nerve damage, or sinus problems.
Longer treatment time:
The process of getting implants can take several months, as it involves allowing time for the jawbone to heal around the implant before the artificial tooth can be placed.
Higher initial cost:
Dental implants are usually more expensive upfront than bridges.
Make an
informed decision
The best choice between dental bridges and implants depends on the individual patient’s needs and circumstances, so a thorough discussion with a dental professional is always recommended.
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- 172 Hoylake Rd, Moreton, Wirral CH46 8TQ
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Get the quality care and treatment that you deserve from the Wirral's leading Dental Experts at Maycroft Dental Practice.