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Restorative Dentistry » Bridges
Replacing missing teeth is crucial for some people because of our appearance. However at Royston Dental Suite we believe replacing a missing tooth to keep you smile is only one reason. The most important reason to replace the tooth is the damage the ‘gap’ can cause.
The ‘gap’ left by a missing tooth can produce a much greater strain on the teeth on either side. A gap can also mean your ‘bite' is affected, as the teeth either side of the space start to lean into the gap, even the teeth above or below will move and alter as the upper and lower teeth bite together.
You can see this on our video (here on the right). It shows the teeth moving and leaving a cavity between the moved tooth and the gum. This can then lead to food getting packed into the cavity, which causes both decay and gum disease around the good teeth around the missing tooth.
To replace a missing tooth you have three main options…
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A dental Implant – a false tooth fixed in your jaw, this is the best option long-term, however is more costly as it requires surgery as it is fix directly into the bone.
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Dentures – a removable plate with one or more teeth, which requires daily removal and cleaning, followed by regular maintenance with the dentist.
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A Dental Bridge – is something between the two options above. It is a false tooth, which is anchored directly onto neighbouring teeth in order to replace one or more missing teeth. Popular as a much lower cost then implants and a lot more permanent and less maintenance than dentures.
The false tooth is known as a ‘pontic’ and is fused in between two crowns that serve as anchors by attaching to the teeth on each side of the false tooth, thereby bridging them together. Therefore it is necessary to have strong teeth either side of the space with good bone to support a bridge and be successful.
We will be able to assess this when you visit us. A bridge can be made with a number of different materials, from a precious metal base with a layer of porcelain carefully bonded to this, to being all porcelain and of course the different materials will effect how long they last and the cost.
How a bridge can help
As with the other methods of replacing missing teeth above, a bridge can support neighbouring teeth that could otherwise begin to misalign and could cause decay to the teeth, as a result of a missing tooth.
A well cared for bridge should last 10-15 years, depending on how to treat them and bite on them . Bridges today are natural in their appearance as the porcelain is carefully colour matched to your existing teeth. Having a bridge fitted can significantly enhance your smile and your confidence and avoid the need for a denture.
Many patients have been putting up with a denture for countless years as they were simply not aware that they could have a bridge instead. This would help the avoid having any false parts on the palate or gums and evade the embarrassment of having to remove false teeth at the dinner table as they have something stuck behind them. And of course the daily chore of removing them for cleaning every night.
The procedure for fitting a bridge
You will need at least two visits, sometimes three to have a bridge fitted. During your first visit we will carry out preparatory work on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
A small amount of the teeth may need to be removed to make room for the crowns that support the bridge. We will then take an impression of this area of the mouth, which will be used to make the bridge and crowns in the laboratory.
Temporary crowns, or a temporary bridge if suitable are placed on the teeth before you leave the surgery.
At the second appointment we will try the bridge to make sure you and the dentist are happy with the fit and appearance, if needed it can be adjusted to ensure a very good fit. It will then be cemented into place once you are completely happy.