If you are looking for high quality, affordable dental bridges in Hoddesdon, then we would be delighted to help. Our experienced team of trusted dentists are able to deliver stunning results at affordable prices.
Find out more about dental bridges below...
A bridge is one of three ways in which missing teeth can be replaced. The other options are a dental implant or a partial denture (a removable false tooth or teeth).
A dental bridge is typically used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. You can have either a conventional or an adhesive bridge, each of which has its own merits.
Before
After
A dental bridge is used to literally ‘bridge’ the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is usually formed by of one or more false teeth (called pontics) that are fitted with a crown on either side. These crowns are securely fitted on to the two teeth adjacent to the gap, allowing the pontic(s) to sit on top of the gum line and fill the space in between.
An adhesive bridge is less damaging to the neighbouring teeth than a standard bridge. Your dentist will be happy to discuss the available options with you.
Please select the option below to see our video on dental bridges.
There are a number of important reasons that teeth should be replaced. The first of these is appearance. As well as helping give you a full and balanced smile, replacing missing teeth can also have other aesthetic benefits. It can maintain the shape of your face (that would otherwise be affected by a missing tooth) – and this can subsequently help prevent wrinkles from forming.
A tooth replacement solution such as a bridge will help restore your ability to chew and speak properly. Leaving a gap can have a detrimental affect on your ‘bite’, as the teeth on either side can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth come together. This can lead to food getting packed into the space, which causes both decay and gum disease.
There are three main types of bridges:
1 - Traditional fixed bridges.
These are the most common type of bridge and consist of two crowns (fitted to the teeth on either side of the gap to anchor the device in place) with a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics. The anchoring teeth can be either natural teeth or dental implants.
2 - Cantilever bridges.
These are similar to traditional bridges - but with the false tooth only supported on one side. These are used when there is only a suitable adjacent tooth on one side.
3 - Maryland bridges (also called resin bonded bridges).
With these bridges the false tooth is supported by a metal framework. The metal ‘wings’ are bonded to the existing teeth adjacent to the gap.
During the first appointment, the abutment teeth on either side of the gap are prepared so that a crown can be placed over them. Impressions of your teeth and gums are then taken and sent to a laboratory where the bridge will be made. We will usually make a temporary bridge for you to wear while your bridge is being made (to protect the exposed teeth and gums).
At the second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the new permanent one fitted. We will then check it and adjust if necessary. Multiple visits may be required to monitor fit and bite.
In most cases it can take up to a minimum of 3 to 6 months for the gums to heal properly after an extraction. This means that you may need to have a temporary denture for this time period before a bridge is fitted to ensure that optimal aesthetics are achieved from the bridge.
You will need to clean your bridge (including under the false tooth) every day to help prevent potential problems such as bad breath and gum disease. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss (as a normal toothbrush cannot reach).
Dental bridges typically last for five to seven years depending on how they are maintained. However, with good oral hygiene and regular prophylaxis, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to extend beyond this time period.
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