Bridges are fixed into place, and therefore are a more secure alternative to a partial denture.
If you have a missing tooth, it is important to replace it. A gap in your smile can really affect your confidence and also cause alignment issues for your remaining teeth. A missing tooth can also affect your facial structure and shape as the existing teeth shift out of position and the support they give to your face decreases. Bridges can alleviate these issues, and also protect the otherwise vulnerable gum in the gap.
At your initial appointment, we carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to ensure you are a suitable candidate for bridges. We make sure the teeth that will support the bridge are healthy and strong. Your dentist will discuss the treatment with you in detail and give you the chance to ask any questions.
We then prepare the teeth either side of the gap, known as the abutment teeth. We remove a layer of enamel to ensure they are able to accommodate a crown. We take impressions of the prepared teeth, which are sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will custom-make your bridge. To protect your teeth between appointments, we fit a temporary bridge.
When your bridge is ready, we invite you for your fitting appointment. We try your bridge in place, ensuring we are happy with the fit and appearance, before fixing it into place using strong dental cement.
You need to clean your bridge every day as part of your regular oral hygiene routine at home. This will prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You will also need to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use special brushes or floss to reach the areas a normal toothbrush cannot get to.
Bridges are usually made of a precious metal. If the bridge will show when you talk or smile, we bond porcelain to the base to give a natural looking finish. Occasionally, other non-precious metals are used in the base to boost strength.
Although a bridge may seem costly, they can be a wise investment that will give many years of good service. They also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician and, in this way, is similar to ordering a piece of handmade jewellery.
With proper care, including keeping the surrounding teeth healthy so they can continue to provide solid support, a bridge can last for over ten years. It is also important that you attend regular check ups with your dentist so they can keep an eye on your bridge.
In most cases, a bridge is used to replace one missing tooth, but they can be used for up to four teeth. If you have multiple missing teeth, your dentist will be able to discuss with you if a bridge is the best option or if another restorative option would suit better.
Yes, you can eat normally with a dental bridge. As they are fixed in place, they will not move as you bite like dentures can and you should have no trouble eating. It is important to remember to clean your bridge thoroughly, to avoid gum disease and other issues.
Aesthetique Dental Care 21 Wharf Street, The Calls Leeds West Yorkshire LS2 7EQ
We’re in the heart of Leeds - accessed by bus and train and have convenient on street parking.
Dental Design | Site last updated: May 2023