Bridges

Even a single missing tooth can throw functions like chewing and speaking out of harmony. Replace missing teeth with a dental bridge, and find your love of smiling again.

What is a bridge?

Dental bridges are a fixed solution to missing teeth and have been used in dentistry for many years.

A conventional bridge is essentially a false tooth, which is secured in place by a crown, anchored to a healthy adjacent tooth. Your dental bridge will be custom-created to match your existing teeth, so no one even needs to know that you have a missing tooth. Modern tooth coloured bridges look very natural and restore smiles to allow for normal eating, speaking and talking.

Why should I choose bridge?

Having a missing tooth can be embarrassing for some people and it can affect their confidence. If having a gap in your smile is affecting you, or you are struggling to eat, you may wish to consider having a bridge.

We will suggest a dental bridge if the teeth on either side of the gap or gaps are healthy. Should we find your teeth are unsuitable to support a bridge or you have previously had dental work on a supporting tooth, don’t worry. We will run you through other options for missing teeth here at Shawbirch Dental, to get you smiling again in no time.

What to expect from a bridge

We need to ensure the teeth supporting the bridge are healthy, strong and free from infection by taking an X-ray. Once we have planned the space for the bridge, 2 appointments are needed to create your dental bridge.

The first appointment involves preparing the tooth or teeth for the bridge. We can scan the teeth with the iTero scanner to send the dental laboratory a detailed image of your teeth for them to make a custom made bridge. In some instances, we may still use traditional impressions (moulds) and a temporary bridge will be made for you before you leave the practice. The second visit involves removing the temporary bridge and fitting the permanent bridge. We will check it fits properly and ensure that it feels normal and comfortable to bite on.

Watch the animated video below to view the process behind a bridge being placed.

Why a bridge?

• With regular care and maintenance and a good oral hygiene routine, bridges can last up to 10 years.
• Restore your confidence to smile.
• Enjoy a broad variety of foods.
• Fixed and secured in the mouth without the need to remove at night, as with dentures.

Aftercare

Full aftercare advice will be given at your appointments. The aftercare advice includes

• Avoid eating hard foods on the bridge
• Ensure you maintain excellent hygiene, we will show you how to clean under the bridge with special floss (Oral b superfloss).
• Regular hygienist visits every 6 months are necessary to remove any plaque that may have built up around the bridge.