A confident smile can brighten any room, but missing teeth can dampen the mood and make you hesitant to show off your pearly whites. Being one of the immediate features you notice in a person’s face at first glance, a good smile is key for appearance and personality. Not to forget the oral health issues that arise from missing teeth can lead to much more debilitating conditions in the future. Dental bridges offer a practical solution to fill those gaps, restoring both function and aesthetics.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fantastic solution to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. As the name suggests, it acts like a custom-made bridge, filling the missing gap with artificial teeth. They are made from materials such as metal or porcelain, to look and function just like your natural teeth.
There are two parts to a dental bridge:
- The abutment or retainer: Dental bridges rely on healthy teeth on either side of the gap for support. These teeth are called abutments and are prepped to allow a crown to be placed over them for strength.
- The pontic: The missing tooth that fills in the gap is called the pontic. It’s custom-made to match the size, shape and colour of your surrounding teeth.
Getting a dental bridge has numerous benefits. It improves your smile, boosts your confidence, and helps you chew food comfortably. It also prevents various other dental problems, which we’ll cover in more detail below.
Why Do I Need A Dental Bridge?
You may need a dental bridge to replace missing teeth for the following reasons:
- To improve the appearance of your smile and overall facial aesthetics
- To improve your lost confidence
- To reduce strain on the teeth at either side of the missing tooth/teeth
- To prevent teeth shifting by causing the neighbouring teeth to lean in and create gaps and altering the bite
- To prevent gum disease and tooth decay due to the accumulation of food in the gap
- To maintain facial structure by preventing a sunken look from lost teeth
- To restore chewing and speech function
What are the Types of Dental Bridges?
There are several types of dental bridges, each designed to cater to specific situations and needs.
Traditional Dental Bridges
This is the most common type of bridge. They are anchored by crowns fitted over the teeth on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges can replace any missing tooth, including molars. Typically is made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are supported by a single crown placed over one adjacent tooth. They are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth closer to the front of your mouth.
Maryland Bridges
This type of bridge consists of a pontic held in place by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. Also known as resin-bonded bridges, they use a framework of metal wings to bond the pontic to the back of surrounding teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
The bridge is supported by a dental implant inserted into the jawbone. This type does not require crowns on adjacent teeth and is usually done when more than one tooth is missing.
What Are The Benefits Of A Dental Bridge?
Aesthetics
Tooth loss can drastically alter the appearance of your smile. Sunken cheeks and gaps can age you beyond your years, leading to significant worry. It is also everyone’s desire to have a beautiful and complete smile, regardless of age. Dental bridges fill in these gaps left by missing teeth, restoring your smile and uplifting your confidence. Your overall facial shape and structure will also be preserved through this treatment.
Secure
Unlike dentures, there’s no need to be concerned about a dental bridge accidentally coming out of your mouth. The bridge will be firmly attached and will only be taken out for dental cleaning purposes.
Improved Chewing and Speaking
Missing teeth can make chewing difficult as the remaining ones have to take on more of the load and force. This can lead to uneven wear and further tooth loss over time. Similarly, tooth loss can also affect the clear articulation of words because certain sounds require the movement of both your lips and tongue against your teeth. A dental bridge can replace missing teeth to make chewing easy and restore speech.
Quick and Minimally Invasive
Getting a dental bridge is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure compared to some other tooth replacement options, like dental implants. You can get a dental bridge in as little as two visits to our dental clinic. During the first visit we will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap and in the second visit we will fit the dental bridge to your abutment teeth.
Improved Confidence
Having a complete smile can boost your confidence in social and professional settings. Your quality of life will be significantly improved!
Easy Maintenance
Dental bridges are easy to maintain compared to their alternatives. All you need to do is maintain good dental hygiene with regular brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups. With proper care, dental bridges can last for many years, making them a cost-effective solution.
Durability & Longevity
On average, dental bridges can last up to 8 to 12 years, provided that you maintain good oral hygiene and eating habits. At the same time, regular dental check-ups are important to ensure the longevity and success of your dental bridge.
What Is The Process Of Getting A Dental Bridge?
Getting a dental bridge is a simple process that will help you get your smile back in no time!
- Step 1
At your initial appointment, we will examine your teeth to determine if you’re a good fit for treatment. The type of bridge that is best suited for your needs will be decided at this consultation. We will take a dental X-ray to assess eligibility and to treat any tooth decay and gum disease before treatment begins. - Step 2
Next, we’ll prepare the neighbouring teeth to help the bridge fit perfectly. We will make sure you’re comfortable throughout the whole process. - Step 3
Then, we’ll take quick impressions of your teeth. Don’t worry, it’s painless and fast! - Step 4
While your custom bridge is being fabricated, you may get a temporary one fitted in. - Step 5
Finally, when your new bridge is ready, we will securely place it.
The whole process is quick and painless, giving you a better smile in no time.
You’ll be able to eat, smile, and talk with confidence again. Remember, we’re here to help you every step of the way and make sure you’re comfortable and happy with your new dental bridge!
Why Choose Melton Dental Group?
At Melton Dental Group, we provide professional and personalised dental care for our patients. Our skilled and friendly team of dental professionals will listen to all your concerns, help ease any anxieties and ensure all your dental needs are met with the best possible dental care. We go the extra mile to make sure we deliver a result that you can be proud of and our state-of-the-art dental technologies make treatments all the more efficient and comfortable for our patients.
Whether you want to restore your smile with dental bridges or seek other dental treatments like general dentistry, dental implants or cosmetic dentistry, we’ve got you covered with all of these services and more. Contact us today to make an appointment!
FAQs
Absolutely! We take pride in creating dental bridges that look and feel like your natural teeth. As they are custom-made, they can be created according to your wishes to give you the most authentic look. Our dental bridges seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth to give you a beautiful new smile.
Caring for your dental bridge is simple. Just maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and visiting us regularly for check-ups. Make sure to tweak your diet accordingly, to minimise hard and sticky food that might harm the dental bridge. Treat it like your natural teeth, and it will last for years!
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental bridges can last between 5 to 15 years or longer, providing you with a long-lasting and reliable solution for missing teeth.
The cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on your specific needs. Don’t worry; we’ll discuss all the details, including costs and available payment options, during your consultation. Our caring team in Melton is here to address any concerns you might have. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and let us help you regain your confident smile with a dental bridge!