Cosmetic Dentistry
Bridges
A dental bridge effectively bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. To create the bridge, a crown may be placed on either side of the missing tooth, as an anchor, and another crown is placed in the gap.
Bridges remain the alternative for patients who are not suitable for dental implants, or when existing bridges are being replaced. Bridges can:
- Restore your smile
- Restore the 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
General Process for getting a Bridge
Providing there are no other complications, preparing the teeth for a bridge usually requires several visits to the dentist which generally includes:
| Appointment | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | For an assessment and discussions around options available and procedure. |
| Preparation | Preparing the adjacent teeth to the missing tooth. Preparations include reshaping the teeth, either by filing down the tooth to make room for the crown or applying a filling material to build up the tooth to support the crown. Next, an impression of the teeth is made and sent to the laboratory where the bridge is manufactured. Our dentist will also meticulously select the shade of the crown that most closely matches the colour of the neighbouring teeth. A temporary dental bridge will be fitted to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made. |
| Fitting | Temporary bridge is removed. Our dentist will check and adjust the new bridge to achieve a proper fit required depending on individual’s case. Once the bridge is fitting properly, a local anaesthetic will be used to numb the teeth and the new bridge is permanently cemented in place. |