Dental Bridges

Bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth

Sometimes when a tooth is lost a space is left which can be unsightly, can cause difficulty in chewing or can result in movement of the adjacent teeth. There are many options for filling spaces including implant, dentures and dental bridge. If you have lost one or two teeth but would rather not wear a denture, you may want to opt for a bridge. Bridges are a series of crowns joined together to cover or close a space left by the loss of a tooth. They are permanent and once bonded into place will look and feel similar to natural tooth.

Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or by implants. At Hatherley Dental Surgery we will check the health of your gums and the supported teeth to ensure that they are suitable for treatment and take appropriate measures if they are not. We will discuss all your options with you to ensure that you can keep your mouth healthy and your smile stunning with a well-fitting and natural looking bridge.

Advantages of having a dental bridge:

Generally speaking, the main advantages of having a dental bridge are:

• Great looks (aesthetics)

In a traditional fixed bridge, not only can you fill the space of the missing tooth, you can improve the colour and the shape of the teeth that you are crowning either side. Porcelain looks great, matches the natural teeth exceptionally well and is very resistant to staining.

 

• Not removable

A bridge is fixed in your mouth - you don't have to worry about taking it out to clean it like a denture.

 

• Protective

If the teeth either side are heavily filled or broken down then by crowning these teeth as part of the bridge you are actually helping to strengthen them and replace your missing tooth at the same time.

 

• Long lasting

Studies have shown that fixed bridgework, like individual crowns, is very predictable, durable and lasts a considerable length of time.

 


• Relatively quick

A bridge in general takes only a little longer than a single crown and once the decision to make a bridge has been made, it generally takes two appointments from start to finish. This is a much quicker procedure than having an implant or even a partial denture.

 

• Less invasive than implants

Implants require one or more surgical procedures to place the implant. You may also require bone grafting if you have insufficient natural bone available. For anyone who is unable to undergo implant surgery for medical reasons, it is a great fixed alternative.

 

• Restore your smile

If you are missing numerous teeth, you probably look at old photographs and wish you can have that smile back. This wish can become a reality.

 

• Restore your ability to properly chew

Losing a few teeth may affect your bite. People often chew on one side if they are missing teeth on the opposite side. Over time, this may cause bite issues and even TMJ problems. Dental Bridges help you to distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.

 

• Dental bridges help you speak properly

During speech, your tongue pushes against the back side of your upper teeth to achieve proper pronunciation. Missing teeth can quickly affect the way you talk.

 


• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

Whenever a tooth is lost, the teeth around the space tend to shift, tilt, or drift into that space. A dental bridge would prevent undesired changes in the nearby teeth.

 

• Maintain the shape of your face

Your facial musculature and your jaw bone may change over time if you are missing many teeth. Replacing lost teeth will help maintain your facial tone and prevent facial changes.

If you have any specific question about Dental Bridges please use our Consultation Booking tool to book your initial consultation online or call us on 01242 515621.