Dental Bridges

Where a tooth or teeth have been lost, a cosmetic dental bridge can be used to “bridge the gap” between the remaining adjacent teeth. This is a mature and effective restoration technique allowing the permanent replacement of one or more teeth.

The bridge itself is a semi-flexible sub-structure into which the replacement tooth fits – put simply it can be considered to be one or more crown units joined together. The complete structure is then bonded to the adjacent teeth and effectively and aesthetically bridges the gap in the tooth line. In preparation for fitting the bridge and under local anaesthetic, the dentist will remove a small portion of the abutment (adjacent teeth) to accommodate the thickness of the new crown.

Bridges are quite natural in appearance and can be fitted relatively quickly, often only requiring two visits to the dentist. With good oral hygiene, bridge-work can last for up to ten years and sometimes more.

Although still a popular technique, bridgework is being superseded by dental implants for the replacement of toothless spaces.

 

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