Bridges
Let’s bridge that gap
Are you concerned about the spaces in your mouth getting bigger?Is your smile affecting your confidence? Do you want to raise your self esteem? Are you looking to improve your smile? Would you prefer a fixed solution? The bridges that have been created at The Lytham Dental Clinic have been life-changing for our patients. No one wants to live with an unsightly gap or a smile that affects your confidence.
Bridges can be a much better alternative to dentures as they are fixed. They are prepared in a comparable way to crowns and look very similar. They will be handmade by skilled craftsmen and fitted beautifully between your existing teeth.
Not only would bridges be offered to you for aesthetic reasons but also if gaps are left in your mouth for too long, your teeth will start to compensate. You might be finding that your teeth are moving or the gap is creating more wear and tear on your existing teeth.
When fixing the bridges there are many options available for you. Here at the clinic, we have the time to discuss all the options available to you at your consultation.
Here is Andrew talking about his Smile Makeover. He has found he can't stop smiling and his confidence has improved! Listen to his journey in his own words.
Frequently asked questions about dental bridges
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge will usually last between 5 and 25 years, they can last an entire lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular maintenance. There are 3 primary reasons why a dental bridge might not last as long as you would like:
Poor oral hygiene - This can result in the gum around the margin of the bridge receding, this causes a cosmetic problem which many people don’t like. Poor oral hygiene can also result in the underlying tooth becoming decayed, if this happens the bridge may have to be removed, the underlying decay treated and then a new bridge made.
Trauma - Dental bridges can fail due to traumatic impact, as anything else! If you are involved in an activity, such as a contact sport, which increases the likelihood of trauma to your mouth then we highly recommend having a mouthguard manufactured. This will protect your jaw, teeth and any dental restorations such as bridges.
Parafunction - These are often involuntary movements of the jaw. They can cause the teeth to wear down and put undue pressure on any dental restoration, such as a bridge. Parafunction shortens the life expectancy of bridges considerably and is often caused by anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, central neurotransmitter dysfunction and smoking.
What does a dental bridge look like?
When a dental bridge is fitted it should be completely unnoticeable and blend in with the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges come in 3 different types:
Maryland bridge - this is where a single tooth is replaced and is attached to the adjacent teeth with small wings which fit on the tongue side of the teeth on either side of the gap. Maryland bridges can sometimes have a tendency to debond and fall off, although they are very quick for your dentist to fix back in again.
Cantilever bridge - this is when a single tooth is replaced but is suspended from a single adjacent to one side of the gap. Cantilever bridges can, in some circumstances, put a lot of force on a single tooth.
Traditional bridge - This is where most of the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared and the missing tooth is suspended from them both. They can be used to replace more than a single missing tooth in one bridge. Traditional bridges usually provide the most predictable outcome.
How big can a dental bridge be?
A dental bridge is made up of 2 components.
The pontic - this is the technical term for the tooth/teeth which is to be replaced.
The abutment - this is the technical term for the standing tooth/teeth which are going to support the new replacement tooth (the pontic).
Traditional bridges can usually reliably have 2 pontics suspended from 2 abutments, in other words, 2 missing teeth will have been replaced. However, this can be repeated around the arch, so it’s possible to have a bridge span of 14 teeth in total, so long as there are enough natural teeth remaining to support it.
What kind of metal is used in dental bridges?
Modern dentistry tends to be erring away from using metal in dental bridges. This is because more modern materials such as zirconia offer increased cosmetic appearances with very little compromise on strength. Dental bridges that contain metal will often be made from titanium, chrome or a palladium-containing alloy.
How to take care of dental bridges
Dental bridges need to be cared for as much as natural teeth do, after all, there will be a natural tooth underneath. You should follow your regular dental health care routine of cleaning for 2 min, twice a day using fluoride-containing toothpaste. You also need to clean underneath the bridge where the missing tooth has been replaced. This can be done with either a dental brush or superfloss which is a regular dental floss that has a small plastic end to it allowing you to thread it underneath your bridge.
Can you whiten a dental bridge?
No. Teeth whitening does not affect dental restorations such as crowns, bridges and veneers. The only way to whiten a dental bridge is to have it completely remade in a lighter colour.