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What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are used to replace single or multiple missing teeth. Unlike a denture, which is removable, the dental bridge is fixed to adjacent teeth .
Why do I need a bridge?
A missing teeth is not only unsightly but with prolong period of not replacing missing teeth , the adjacent teeth will drift and tilt to the missing tooth gap. This will result in gaps forming in the adjacent teeth areas. These gaps will result in poor aesthetics and food trap. Sometimes as a result of missing teeth ,the bite may change and this may result in collapse of facial feature. When too many missing teeth are not replace, the facial structure is not well supported .As result ,wrinkles and lines can form on the face ,resulting in premature aging.
What are the advantages of having a dental bridge?
Compared to a denture, bridges feels and look like your own teeth. As it is fixed to your adjacent teeth , there is no need to remove it, thereby giving greater confidence to the patient. Moreover ,removable dentures have ugly metal clasps to hold it in place.
What is the procedure for bridging ?
First visit consultation.
The dental specialist, the prosthodontist, will assess the condition of the adjacent teeth required to anchor the bridge in place. Any tooth decay of the adjacent teeth must be clean and filled first. Any gum diseases around adjacent teeth must also be sorted first. An careful assessment of your bite is also carried out by the prosthodontist. If the adjacent are non vital, root canal treatment must also be done.
A diagnostic model is made of you teeth. From this, the dental specialist ( prosthodontist ) will carry out a diagnostic wax up to preplan your final bridge design.
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2nd visit - teeth preparation
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The teeth are numbed with local anaesthetic. The adjacent teeth are conservatively prepared with about I mm of tooth structure being removed around the crown of the tooth . A mold is made off your teeth .From this mold , the dental laboratory will fabricate a custom made bridge to fit your prepared teeth exactly. In the meantime ,you will be given a temporary bridge so that you will not go home toothless.
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3rd visit - fitting of bridge.
The final bridge is try in in the mouth for fit, bite and aesthetics. When the dental specialist is satisfied with everything, the bridge is permanently glued onto the adjacent teeth.
How long will bridges last?
The bridge is well fitting and with good oral hygiene and regular maintenance, dental bridges can last 10-20 years.
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