DENTAL BRIDGE
A DENTAL BRIDGE IS A POPULAR, COST-EFFECTIVE, LONG-LASTING TEETH REPLACEMENT OPTION
DENTAL BRIDGES IN MISSISSAUGA
A DENTAL BRIDGE IS A POPULAR TOOTH REPLACEMENT OPTION WITH MANY ADVANTAGES
Dental bridges are restorative dentistry options used to close spaces between teeth and have remained as one of the most popular and cost-effective approaches for the restoration of missing teeth.
The term ‘bridge’ comes from the way this prosthetic is created and held in place. On either side of the space where the missing teeth used to be, the remaining teeth are filed down and used as mounting points for the bridge. These two mounting points are used to secure the bridge, which consists of two crowns and the prosthetic for the missing teeth.
Two styles of bridges exist, with one being able to be removed for cleaning by the patient, and the other only being removed during dental visits for cleaning by the hygienist. Another name for bridges is ‘fixed partial denture’ due to their semi-permanent nature.
Crowns and bridges are both available in a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain bonded metal, and porcelain. Porcelain crowns and bridges mimic the appearance of natural teeth nearly perfectly, the material’s translucent nature bearing a striking resemblance to enamel. Porcelain bonded metal shares this trait, though there is a risk of the porcelain chipping away from the metal. This style also occasionally has the metal base visible near the gum line.
Dental bridges are a popular tooth replacement option (other options are dentures and dental implants) because they offer following advantages:
DENTAL BRIDGE TYPES
There are many dental bridge types such as fixed bridge using two supporting teeth, cantilever bridge using on one supporting tooth, implant-supported bridge using dental implants, Maryland bridge for front teeth etc.
Fixed Dental Bridge
To place a fixed bridge, your dentist uses your existing natural teeth to help hold your bridge in place. She replaces your missing tooth with an artificial tooth and cements the fixed bridge in place. This makes the bridge feel stable and very similar to your natural teeth. The she covers the supporting teeth with crowns.
The following video explains fixed dental bridges:
The following video briefly explains implant-supported dental bridges:
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
To place an implant-supported bridge, your dentist uses surgically implanted metal posts into your jawbone. These posts act like the roots of your natural teeth. She then attaches the bridge with replacement teeth mounted on a tooth-colored base to these metal posts.
To receive implant-supported dental bridge, you need to qualify for implants. Please see dental implants section. Implants may be placed in one day or may require multiple visits depending on the existence of a previous infection, the availability of bone to hold the implant and your treatment plan.
A key benefit of an implant-supported bridge is that it doesn’t need support from the surrounding teeth.
Maryland Dental Bridge
Maryland dental bridge is like a fixed dental bridge. It is used only on missing front teeth. To place a fixed bridge, your dentist uses your existing natural teeth to help hold your bridge in place using a thin metal framework. The supporting teeth don’t need crowns.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
A cantilever dental bridge is like a fixed dental bridge except it is anchored to only one tooth instead of two teeth because a second tooth is available to support it. As a result, it is weaker than a fixed dental bridge and not used in the back of your mouth where chewing pressure may be more than what this type of dental bridge can withstand.
IS A DENTAL BRIDGE GOOD OPTION FOR ME TO REPLACE MY MISSING TEETH?
Talk to your dentist at Dunwin Dental to check if a dental bridge is a good option to replace your missing teeth. She can recommend the type of bridge and the materials that are best for you based on your specific needs.
THE DENTAL BRIDGE TREATMENT PROCESS AND WHAT TO EXPECT
1st Appointment
2nd Appointment
Final Appointment
CARING FOR YOUR DENTAL BRIDGE
Proper care will ensure that your dental bridge lasts a long time. With proper care, these can last over 25 years.
If you have lost one or more of your teeth, please contact our dental office in Mississauga to discuss with a dentist whether a dental bridge is a good time-tested option for you.