What are the benefits of Dental Bridges?

• A dental bridge can strengthen your damaged tooth and improve your smile by replacing your missing teeth.
• If you have teeth missing you put more strain on your other teeth when eating.
• Your teeth next to the missing tooth can lean into the gap and this changes the way your teeth bite together. The imbalance can cause jaw problems. (TMJ disorders)
• Restores your ability to chew and speak properly.

What types of Dental Bridges are available?

What is a traditional Dental Bridge?

• Your dentist will prepare your teeth either side of the gap for a crown tooth. Your missing tooth with be replaced with a pontic in between the crowns. Bridges are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramic.
• To prepare your teeth for a bridge your dentist must reduced your teeth in size so that bridge will fit over them. An impression will be taken to provide an exact mould for the bridge. Your dentist will determine the correct shade for the bridge by matching the colour of your existing teeth.
• Your impression will be sent to a dental lab to makes your bridge. A temporary bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth for approximately 2 weeks while the permanent bridge is being made.

• It is used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
• Not recommended to replace back teeth as you can damage your teeth if you bite down with too much force.

 What is a Maryland Bridge?

• It has wings attached to the replacement tooth which are cemented onto the enamel of the surrounding teeth using a strong adhesive.
• The teeth next to the gap don’t need to have complete crowns.
• The bridge is fitted with minimal damage to the surrounding area. 
• Used for smaller gaps in your teeth towards the front of your mouth. 

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

The cost will vary depending on the size and type of bridge you need. Although a bridge may seem expensive it should last many years.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Crowns and bridges can last a lifetime. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. Your bridge can fail if the teeth holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent bad breath and gum disease. Clean under the false tooth every day, using a bridge needle or special floss.

Avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects as this can damage your bridge.

Eating a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important.