When a tooth, or number of teeth, are missing it can have a serious effect on a person’s self confidence. Dental bridges can be used to fill this gap with a single or set of restorations. This will not only help to improve a person’s self confidence but can also help to prevent the natural teeth from moving position.

How many types of bridge are there?

There are three main types of dental bridge and each is attached in a slightly different way. Traditional bridges will consist of three crowns linked together. The outer crowns are then cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap.

Cantilever Crowns are very similar to a traditional bridge but will consist of only two crowns. This type of bridge only has one crown cemented onto an existing tooth.

Maryland Bridges do not have any crowns and are attached to the teeth on either side of the gap via a wing. This wing is bonded to the rear of the natural teeth to hold the bridge in place.

How long does the treatment take?

On average this form of treatment will take around 1 to 2 weeks to complete, with 2 visits to the dental professional. The length of treatment time is simply down to the time it takes to create the bridge and ensure that it is a perfect fit for each patient’s mouth.

How long do they last?

The estimated life span of a dental bridge is between 5 to 7 years. However if good oral hygiene is maintained it is not unusual for them to last 10 years or more.

Will it affect my ability to eat and speak?

No, eating will not be affected by the bridge. In fact, your bridge should make eating easier. In most cases, speech is not affected and even if it is, it is only temporary until your mouth becomes accustomed to the bridge.

Leeds dentists offer dental bridges to replace missing teeth

If you have lost a tooth because of dental decay or an accident, it is vital that you have it replaced so that the surrounding teeth do not come under a strain as a result of the gap.  Replacing lost teeth will make eating and drinking easier and put yourself at ease with your appearance.  You should contact your London City dentist to find out how dental bridges can be the answer to your tooth loss problem.

There are three main varieties of dental bridge.  The most common is the traditional fixed bridge where a false tooth – also known as a pontic – is fused between two crowns and uses neighbouring teeth to ensure it is stable.  If you have lost a front tooth, resin-bonded or Maryland-bonded bridges are usually used.  In this case, the resin is concealed to preserve aesthetic appeal.  The third variant is the cantilever bridge which is opted for if the pontic can only be fused to a tooth on one side because the tooth on the other side is more susceptible to stress.

You may need to have some of the adjacent tooth shaved off if your dentist feels that the extra space is required.  This will be done under a mild anaesthetic.  A temporary bridge will be fitted to protect the area once impressions have been taken using dental putty.  Once the permanent bridge has been made, your dentist can remove the temporary one and attach the permanent replacement and check your bite.  At follow up appointments your dentist will check that the bridge is firmly secured in place.

Looking for a cosmetic dentist? Leeds dentists are here to help

Ask your Leeds dentist for more information about dental bridges if you have a missing tooth which needs replacing.

If you have a missing tooth, we have the perfect, hassle-free solution. Our customised dental bridges will have you smiling with confidence in no time!

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are a type of restorative treatment designed to literally bridge the gap when a tooth is lost through injury or decay. Fixed dental bridges are made up of a false tooth supported by a crown on either side. The bridges are custom-made for each individual patient and treatment usually involves two sessions around 2 weeks apart.

There are different types of material that can be used to create a bridge and we often recommend ceramic bridges, as they replace missing teeth while also creating a beautiful, natural look.

The treatment process

After a consultation, we will start your treatment by creating an impression of the teeth. This impression is used by highly skilled technicians to create a bridge to fit the gap perfectly. Around 2 weeks later, when your bridge is ready, we will fix it into position and secure it firmly using strong dental adhesive.

How long does a bridge last?

A bridge is not a permanent solution for tooth loss. However, bridges do last up to 15 years, so they are durable and hard-wearing. When you have your routine dental check-ups, your City Dental dentist will check your bridge.

What are the advantages of a dental bridge?

Dental bridges offer natural looking aesthetics, a simple and pain-free treatment process, excellent standards of functionality and affordability.

What are the alternatives?

Bridges are not the only treatment for tooth loss. We can also offer dental implants and dentures. Dentures are a popular solution for multiple missing teeth, while implants are a very effective long-term solution. If you’d like to find out more and discuss your options with one of your amazing dentists, simply give us a call!