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Bridges

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a fixed, non-removable solution for replacing missing teeth. They use the adjacent teeth (or sometimes just one) to hold a prosthetic tooth in place. Dental bridges are an ideal option for those who are missing one or more teeth and want to restore their smile’s function and appearance.

There are two main types of dental bridges: resin-bonded bridges and conventional bridges.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Appointment 1

  1. Local Anaesthetic
    The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.

  2. Impression of Adjacent Tooth
    An impression is taken of the adjacent teeth that will hold the prosthetic tooth in place, ensuring a secure fit for the bridge.

  3. Tooth Preparation
    The tooth (or teeth) that will support the bridge is carefully prepared. This involves reducing the tooth slightly in specific areas to create enough space for the bridge.

  4. 3D Scanning
    A modern 3D scanner is used to create a digital image of your teeth, which is sent to the lab to fabricate the custom bridge.

  5. Temporary Bridge
    A temporary bridge is fitted to protect the tooth and prevent sensitivity while you wait for the permanent bridge.

Appointment 2

  1. Bridge Fitting
    The temporary bridge is removed, and your permanent bridge is carefully fitted and cemented into place.

Resin-Bonded Bridges

Resin-bonded bridges require minimal preparation of the adjacent teeth, relying on a chemical bond of a metal or ceramic wing to the adjacent tooth. These bridges are typically used to replace missing anterior teeth (front teeth) and can involve either one or both adjacent teeth.

Resin-bonded bridges are ideal for patients with healthy adjacent teeth, as the success of the bond depends on the health of these teeth. This option is best suited for individuals with specific bite characteristics.

Conventional Bridges

Conventional bridges involve crowning one or both of the adjacent teeth, with the prosthetic tooth attached to the crown to fill the space left by the missing tooth. These bridges are particularly useful if the adjacent teeth are heavily restored or damaged, as these teeth will benefit from a crown regardless.

However, conventional bridges are more destructive than resin-bonded bridges, as they require more extensive preparation of the adjacent teeth. For this reason, we prefer to use conventional bridges only when the adjacent teeth are unhealthy or already restored.

A dental bridge is ideal for patients who are missing one or more teeth. It fills the gap, restores your smile, and helps maintain the function of your bite.

Resin-bonded bridges involve minimal preparation and use a chemical bond to hold the prosthetic tooth in place. Conventional bridges require crowning the adjacent teeth and are more invasive but may be necessary for teeth that are heavily restored or damaged.

The procedure usually takes two appointments: the first for preparation and impressions and the second for fitting the permanent bridge.

The procedure is generally not painful as the area is numbed with local anaesthetic. Some discomfort or sensitivity may occur after the procedure, but this should subside within a few days.

Dental bridges can last many years, with proper care and maintenance.