What Is A Dental Bridge?

One or more missing teeth could be more of a problem for your overall dental health than you might imagine.  Not only can missing teeth affect your smile and impact your ability to chew food properly, but they can also lead to bone loss in the jaw, tilting of surrounding ones, changes in the shape of the face and bite misalignment.

Bridges are a proven way of replacing the function and appearance of missing teeth, as well as maintaining surrounding ones and a correct bite position. Millrise, your Calgary SW dental clinic, is experienced in helping patients with all the right alternatives for replacing missing teeth.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

They do exactly what the name implies – they bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth are fitted for crowns and fused to a false tooth which replaces the missing tooth.  The false tooth, known as a pontic, can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.

Our dentists will ensure that you understand your options and that your bridge matches the shade of your natural teeth and fits seamlessly with your smile.

What Are Their Benefits?

This is a a great treatment option for replacing missing teeth.  Having this treatment at Millrise solves many of the challenges presented by a missing tooth, including:

• Restoring the fullness of your smile
• Restoring proper chewing ability
• Maintaining proper bite alignment
• Preventing tilting or shifting of surrounding ones
• Maintaining the appearance of the face

How Long Can I Expect Them To Last?

They are durable, but still require the same level of care as your natural teeth.  Although crowns and the false tooth cannot decay, brushing, flossing and hygiene appointments are still needed to protect the tooth along the gum-line where cavities can still occur.

With excellent care, you can expect them to last 10 years or longer.  Like anything you value, proper care and maintenance will ensure the longest lasting results.

What To Expect When Getting Them

The treatment takes place in 2 appointments.  The first appointment involves shaping the support teeth that will hold and secure the dental bridge.  Once they are shaped, an impression of the teeth will be taken for the lab to use in to custom build your dental bridge.  A temporary bridge will cover the supporting ones while this is done.

Our expert lab will make the crowns to fit your teeth and match the shade of your natural one.  At the second appointment our dentist will cement the bridge securely in place.  You will now have a strong, functional chewing surface and the restored appearance of a natural looking smile.

Other Alternatives For Missing Teeth

Implants

In cases where the patient has good bone density and is in good overall health, implants may be a feasible alternative to replacing missing teeth. Implants have a higher up-front cost, but may be more cost effective over time as the implant itself is permanent.  Also on the plus side for implants, they have a high success rate, preserve bone and do not decay.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can also be used to replace several missing teeth. Unlike bridges, partial dentures are removable.  They consist of artificial replacement teeth attached to a supporting base attached to the surrounding ones with metal clasps.

Are Dental Bridges Right For You?

They are right for you if you are missing one or more teeth. We encourage you to come in to our clinic to explore your options with one of our highly skilled dentists.

For more information , contact us today!