What is a bridge?

Looking for dental bridges? Then you should visit Smile Hub Dental Clinic.

A dental bridge is used to substitute a missing tooth. A bridge is a fixed restoration that is anchored by the adjacent teeth on either side of the crevice. The neighbouring teeth are known as abutment teeth. The bridge has a crown on each of the abutment teeth, and the false tooth that replaces the missing tooth is affixed to the crowns, thus closing the gap.

There are three primary varieties of bridges available at Smile Hub Dental Clinic, which can be provided to patients seeking dental bridges:

1. Conventional Bridge

By minimising the size of the abutment teeth, a bridge is created. The quantity of reduction the dentist will make to the abutment teeth will depend on their location and the type of bridge that will be created. The restorative material used to construct the bridge will replace the tooth structure extracted from the abutment teeth. The restorative material is utilised to restore the teeth’s size and shape. The replacement tooth will be affixed to the two abutment teeth, closing the gap and restoring function.

These conventional bridges can be constructed from three distinct materials:

All-ceramic, metal-free cosmetic bridges: these are porcelain bridges that do not require any metal reinforcement.

A porcelain-metal fusion bridge Gold

2. Resin-bonded or Maryland-style bridges

If the abutment teeth are beautiful, healthy teeth, the tooth reduction necessary for conventional bridges would not be desirable. Therefore, we provide the option of a resin-bonded bridge, which requires minimal or no tooth reduction. These bridges use metal or porcelain wings fused to the abutments with a resin material to anchor the pontoons.

3. Cantilever Bridges

If there are only teeth on one side of the fissure to be restored, i.e. there is only one abutment, this option is utilised. On one side, the prosthetic tooth is attached to one or more abutments, while the other side is unattached. This option is only recommended in low-stress areas.

How is a bridge made?

Two appointments are required:

Appointment 1

At this appointment, the dentist will make the necessary reductions to the abutment teeth. After the reduction has been accomplished, a putty impression is obtained. This impression is sent to the laboratory, which constructs the bridge using the data provided by the impression. The abutment teeth will be protected by a temporary bridge while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. The dentist will examine the colour of your teeth to ensure that the new bridge matches the existing teeth.

Appointment 2

This appointment is typically two weeks after the initial appointment, dependent on the turnaround time of the laboratory. At this appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and test in the permanent bridge that will have been fabricated in the laboratory. If the bridge fits well and you are satisfied with its appearance and feel, it will be cemented with resin cement. The dentist will ensure that you can clean the bridge effectively and that you can bite ordinarily, as before. Occasionally, repeat appointments are necessary to ensure a proper fit.

How lengthy is a bridge’s lifespan?

Typically, we estimate that a bridge will last between 10 and 15 years if it is properly maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.

What are the bridge’s benefits?

They restore both appearance and function by replacing absent teeth.

The treatment necessitates only two, 2-weekly appointments.

They have a healthy lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

What disadvantages does a bridge have?

Preparing a bridge necessitates the reduction of teeth on either side of the fissure, thereby compromising the integrity of these teeth.

If you are unable to practise good oral hygiene, the bridge is susceptible to gum disease, periodontal disease, and decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental bridge?

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre we prepare dental bridges for patients to fill the gap that remains when a tooth is extracted or missing. An artificial tooth is used to bridge the gap and is attached to the teeth either side of the gap. Bridges can be made from materials such as metal, porcelain, gold or a combination of these.

Types of Bridges:

Fixed Bridge:

This is an artificial tooth attached to crowns. The artificial teeth fill the space where the missing tooth was. The retainers which are bonded onto the teeth on each side of the gap have the artificial tooth attached to it. Dental bridges are permanently fixed and unlike an acrylic or chrome cobalt denture cannot be removed.

Maryland/Bonded Bridges:

Maryland bridges are generally used to replace a missing front tooth. The artificial tooth has one or two metal wings which are bonded onto the back of the teeth either side of the gap where they cannot be seen. Maryland bridges can be used in cases where there is minimal pressure on the bite. The supporting teeth must be strong. One of the key benefits of a Maryland bridge is that there is minimal tooth preparation however a disadvantage is that Maryland bridges can debond particularly with a strong bite.

Cantilever Bridge:

This dental bridge has only one crown to support the artificial tooth.

Am I suitable for a bridge?

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic we assess patients for suitability for dental bridgework when they have a missing tooth or gap in the mouth. You must have a natural tooth present so that the bridge can attach to it and your oral hygiene must be excellent. Sometimes it is possible to replace a removable denture with a permanently fixed bridge.

Procedure for a Dental Bridge:

A local anaesthetic is administered. Tooth structure is removed from a neighbouring tooth or teeth to accomodate the thickness of the retainining crown. A dental impression is taken of your teeth. Your dental bridge will be made by our award-winning ceramist within 2 weeks. A temporary bridge or a partial acrylic denture can be used to fill the space until your next visit to Smile Hub Dental Clinic in North Dublin.

At your next visit 2 weeks later your temporary bridge will be removed. The permanent dental bridge will be tried in and checked to ensure it’s bite and natural appearance is suitable. Your permanent bridge will then be cemented to your supporting teeth either side of the gap.

Another random question?

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What are the advantages of Dental Bridgework?

Your natural smile will be restored
You will be able to chew and speak as normal
Teeth either side of the missing tooth cannot drift, tilt or over-erupt into the space of the lost tooth
Your biting forces are more evenly distributed within the mouth and head
The shape of your face is maintained as the bridgework will support your cheek or mouth muscles

How much does a dental bridge cost?

The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type and amount of material required. Some teeth may also require root canal treatments or post and cores. The quality of the aesthetic finish on your bridge will also be a factor that will determine the cost of your dental bridge.

Every dental bridge case is different so please book a consultation at Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre. Our dental clinic is a 5 minute drive from the Donaghmede Shopping Centre. One of our highly skilled dentists will discuss your individualised treatment plan with all associated costs and the number of required visits

Bridgework Maintenance:

The life-span of your dental bridge will depend on excellent oral hygiene and attending for regular dental check-ups. Studies have indicated that most dental bridges can last approximately 10 years in patients who maintain excellent oral hygiene.