If you are looking to replace a missing tooth, a dental bridge could be a good option for you. This treatment involves placing a false tooth in the gap and bonding it to your natural teeth. A bridge for your teeth offers a more permanent solution to missing teeth, helping to restore your smile, boost your confidence, make everyday actions such as chewing easier, and prevent your natural teeth from moving out of place.

The Different Types of Dental Bridges

There are multiple types of bridges for your teeth, but the most common bridges are:

Traditional Bridges:

These are the most popular, and are a good solution when your natural teeth surround a missing tooth on both sides. Usually made from ceramic or porcelain and fused to metal, traditional bridges are strong enough to replace molars.

This type of bridge involves your natural teeth being capped with crowns to support the fake tooth or ‘pontic tooth’ placed in the gap.

Cantilever Bridges:

This type of bridge for replacing missing teeth is used when natural teeth are on just one side of the gap. The false, or pontic tooth, is then attached to a crown on a single tooth to provide the bridge with support.

How long does a dental bridge last?

A dental bridge for your teeth, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can last anywhere between five and fifteen years. A dental bridge can last for a long time when looked after properly, but your dentist will need to replace it after a period of time due to wear and tear.

The procedure to fit a dental bridge

The first step after confirming a treatment plan, is for your dentist to take an impression of your mouth. This is used to create the dental bridge and ensures it can be fitted to your mouth as closely as possible.

To fit the bridge to your natural teeth, this involves your dentist preparing the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a small portion of enamel from your teeth. While the permanent bridge for your teeth is being made, your dentist can fit a temporary bridge solution to protect your teeth.

Once the permanent bridge is created, your dentist will fix this in place.

Looking after your dental bridge

It’s important to look after your oral health and in turn, this will help your bridge remain long-lasting. Some of our top tips:

• Avoid smoking. This can stain the bridge and cause discolouration over time.
• Maintain good oral hygiene. Whether you have a bridge or not, daily brushing and flossing will ensure your bridge is well maintained.
• Regular dental check ups. It’s important to schedule regular check ups with your dentist, to check in on the health of your teeth and dental bridge.

A dental bridge is a great solution to replacing missing teeth, designed to fill gaps with false teeth that are designed to look and function like your natural teeth. If you’re looking for a treatment to help your missing teeth, a dental bridge could be the option for you.

As a specialist dental clinic in Christchurch in Dorset, we’re dedicated to helping our patients achieve a healthy, happy smile. For more information, get in touch with our team today, or book an appointment online now.