What is a dental bridge?

Simply, a dental bridge is used to bridge a gap left behind by a missing tooth. A false tooth (a dental prosthesis) replaces the missing tooth and is supported by the teeth on either side of the gap.

At Alp Medical Dental, we can offer two types of dental bridges.

The first option involves a false tooth going into the gap and the two natural teeth on either side being prepared for crowns. These crowns can be made of either porcelain or metal. The crowns are then bonded onto the healthy teeth on either side and fixing the false tooth in the mental. This creates a “bridge”.

BURAYA UYGUN DIAGRAM KONULACAK 

The second option involves the false tooth having “wings” on either side of it and being bonded onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Why choose a dental bridge?

Dental bridges are a long-term investment that will improve your oral health, smile and confidence. Bridges can be finished in porcelain, so your new teeth would be indistinguishable from the natural teeth surrounding it.

Something as simple as replacing a missing tooth can significantly boost your confidence and improve the quality of your life. It can make daily activities such as speaking and eating much easier. Your remaining teeth would also benefit from replacing the missing one. If your missing tooth is not replaced, your natural teeth can move and lean due to the gap/empty space. This could affect your appearance, your speech and the way that you bite/chew. Often, you can find that food gets trapped in these spaces, which can lead to halitosis (bad breath) and tooth decay.

How are dental bridges fitted?

For the first step in creating in creating a perfectly fitting bridge, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and mouth. A plaster mould will be placed in your mouth, creating an exact replica. Afterwards, the bridge will be created based on the mould. The right shade of colour will be chosen to match the rest of your teeth prior to your replica teeth and caps being manufactured. If you wish to have your teeth whitened, we recommend doing this prior to having your bridge created, as the colour of the false teeth cannot be whitened later. At Alp Medical Dental, we can whiten your teeth for you and create a crown to match the new colour perfectly.

Specialist dental technicians will custom make the bridge under your dentist’s instructions. This is often done within the same day.

Once it is ready, your dentist will fit your new bridge. You will be given local anaesthetic before the procedure begins. This will block any pain from your gums. Your dentist will ensure that the fit is right by checking that you are biting correctly with the bridge in place.

What happens after your bridge has been fitted?

After your bridge is fitted, you may feel mild discomfort in your gyms. Your gums may be sensitive to touch, pressure, hot and cold. This is normal and may last for 24 hours. The discomfort can be alleviated by using mild painkillers per your dentist’s recommendation. We do carry out ‘bite tests’ after the fitting of the bridge to see if any minor adjustments are needed. At Alp Medical Dental, we take pride in getting everything as perfect as possible for our patients.

In the long run, bridges do not need to be removed as they are permanent. You will be able to brush your teeth as normal. There will not be any requirement to clean the bridge separately. Like everyone else, your dentist will always recommend for you to floss on a regular basis for optimum oral health.

What are the alternatives to dental bridges?

If you choose to have a consultation with us at Optimal Dental, the dentist can discuss the other alternatives that are available to you. It is important that you consider all the options and make an informed decision that you are happy with. The following alternatives can be considered instead:

• Dentures (false teeth) are removable silicone/plastic or metal frames with false teeth attached. These fit onto your gums on a temporary basis. Dentures can be removed daily.
• Dental implants involve an imitation porcelain false tooth (crown) being fixed directly into your jaw. Beneath the porcelain crown, there is a titanium screw which secures the tooth into your jawbone. For more information on dental implants, please click on this link.

All of the available options will be discussed with you in detail if you wish. Our dentists will help you decide between all of the available options, taking your needs into account.

How much does it cost?

The cost for dental bridges starts from £XXXX. For an individualised quote, please contact a member of our friendly UK team today on XXXX.

What next?

If you are interested in more information on dental bridges, please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly team on XXXX.