Reviewed by: Dr Sunita Verma
- Cost: £300 – £900 per unit
- Duration of treatment: 2-4 weeks
- Used for:Replace missing teeth
- Available: From most dentists
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are false teeth, which are anchored to adjacent teeth to replace one or more missing teeth. The false tooth is known as a mouse and is fused between two crowns that serve as anchors attached to the teeth on either side of the false tooth, thus bridging them together.
What are the parts of a typical (fixed) dental bridge?
A dental bridge essentially consists of:
- A pontic or false tooth used to replace a missing tooth, which is made of gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
- Two crowns – used to anchor the false tooth in place.
When are dental bridges needed?
Bridges are recommended when one or more teeth are missing that affect:
- Your smile and appearance.
- Your bite, as a result of adjacent teeth tilting into the gap and changing the way the upper and lower teeth bite together.
- Your reason.
- The shape of your face.
- The percentage of gum disease and tooth decay as a result of food build-up in the cavity.
Should missing teeth be replaced?
Yes, missing teeth need to be replaced for many reasons:
- To improve your appearance.
- To reduce pressure on the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
- To prevent adjacent teeth from tipping into resulting gap and alteration of the bite.
- To prevent gingivitis and tooth decay due to food build-up in the vacuum.
There are three main types of dental bridges:
1. Traditional fixed bridge
This is the most commonly used type of bridge and consists of a pontoon fused between two porcelain crowns that are anchored to adjacent teeth or implants. The pontiac is usually made of either metal-fused porcelain or ceramic. These are fixed and cannot be removed.
2. Resin bonded or Maryland bonded bridges
These are chosen when the gap to be filled is between the front teeth or when the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are strong and healthy without large fillings. The false tooth is made of plastic and is fused with metal bands that are attached to the adjacent teeth using invisible resin.
3. Cantilever bridges
These are chosen in areas such as the front teeth that are sensitive to lower pressure. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the space, where the false tooth is anchored to one or more adjacent teeth on one side.
What are bridges made of?
Bridges can be made of
- Porcelain.
- Porcelain bonded to precious metals.
- Full metal dental bridges (gold).
How are dental bridges placed?
On the first date:
- The dentist will numb the area with a mild anesthetic.
- The teeth on either side of the space are prepared by cutting a small area to fit new crown above them.
- The dentist then uses dental putty to take an impression of the teeth, which will be used to make the bridge and crown in the lab.
- A temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed gums and teeth.
- A Vita shade guide can be used to determine the right shade for a dental bridge, choosing a shade that resembles natural color variations on your teeth, as well as matching your skin tone, hair color, natural tooth color and more and in your eyes color.
On the second date:
- The temporary bridge is removed and the custom bridge is placed, checked for fit and bite and adjusted accordingly. It is then cemented in place
- Multiple visits are often required to check and adjust the fit.
- In the case of permanent or fixed bridges, the bridge is temporarily cemented for a few weeks and checked for fit. It only hardens permanently after several weeks.
How long will dental bridges last?
Dental bridges can last 10-15 years, provided you maintain good dental hygiene and dietary habits.
How to care for your dental bridges?
Practice good oral hygiene:
- Clean the dental bridge every day to prevent tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease.
- Clean under the false tooth every day.
- Keep the remaining teeth healthy as they serve as a base for the dental bridge.
Brushing and flossing:
- Brush twice and floss daily.
- To use thread, use a bridge thread, which is a flexible piece of plastic with a loop at one end to screw the thread into.
- Thread one end of a 14- to 18-inch piece of dental floss through the loop, making sure to leave one side about halfway from the other.
- Place the end of the floss without the hole between the bridge and the gum line.
- Hold the longer piece of yarn, gently lift it and pull the pointed end all the way through.
- Use both hands, moving the string back and forth under the bridge.
- Rinse the bridge completely from one end to the other.
Diet and eating habits:
- Eat soft foods or food cut into small pieces until you get used to the dental bridge.
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet for good general and dental health.
What are the advantages of dental bridges?
- It is natural in appearance.
- They generally only require two dental appointments.
- They have a good lifespan, lasting 10-15 years, providing you with maintenance good oral hygiene.
- They improve your appearance, bite problems and speech problems that occur as a result of tooth loss.
What are the disadvantages of dental bridges?
- The teeth become soft sensitive to extreme temperatures for a few weeks.
- They require healthy tooth tissue from adjacent teeth to prepare.
- Your teeth and gums are vulnerable to infection as a result of bacterial build-up due to food acids (if proper hygiene is not maintained).
