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Bridges
What is a dental bridge?
Missing teeth can be unsightly, cause problems with chewing and lead to drifting of the surrounding and opposing teeth. There are many options for filling spaces including dentures, bridges and implants.
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants. A bridge is made up of two anchoring crowns on the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth/teeth (abutments) and a false tooth/teeth in between (pontic). The teeth on either side of gap used as the abutments need to be in good condition as they will support the false tooth.
Why do I need a bridge?
Bridges can:
- Restore your smile
- Restore your ability to properly chew and speak
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
There are several types of bridges available and discussion with your dentist will identify the best option for you.
Types of Bridges
Fixed-Fixed bridge - This is essentially a false tooth (pontic) fused between two porcelain crowns.
Resin-Bonded bridge - This is also known as a Maryland Bridge and is made up of a false tooth with a metal wing attachment which is bonded to the adjacent tooth. This type of dental bridge is more suitable for areas with lower stresses.
Cantilver bridge - This is a false tooth (pontic) fused to an anchor only on one side. It is again more suited to areas of lower stresses.
What happens at my bridge appointment?
Before the process of a fixed-fixed or cantilever bridge preparation, if the tooth is still alive (vital) it will be anaesthetized (numbed). The abutment teeth are prepared which involves re-contouring these teeth by filing down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of your teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental laboratory. Following the impressions your dentist will then fit your teeth with either temporary crowns or a temporary bridge.
At the next appointment the old temporaries will be removed and your new bridge will be cemented in. Your dentist will ensure your bite is correct and that you are happy with the appearance.
If you are having a resin bonded bridge you may not need anaesthetic, and your dentist will prepare the adjacent tooth to the gap with a minimally invasive procedure. Impressions will then be taken, along with a shade to match your existing teeth and the impressions sent to the laboratory where your new bridge will be made.
How do I look after my bridge?
Your dentist will show you how to care and look after your bridge work to keep it at its optimum. Essentially this involved flossing above the false tooth with a special type of floss used for bridges, brushing and regular visits to your hygienist.
0161 445 1010
Dr Irfan Haque BChD
Dr John Latham BDS BSc
Ms Frances Sands Bsc OHS
| Monday - Wednesday: | 9.15 am - 5.30 pm |
| Thursday: | 9.15 am - 7.00 pm |
| Friday: | 9.15 am - 1.00 pm |
