As a leading dental professional in Sydney, you can count on our dental practice to provide comprehensive information about dental treatments to help patients make informed decisions. One of the most common treatments we offer at our practice is dental bridges, a restorative solution for missing teeth.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed overview of dental crown bridges, their benefits, types and the process of getting a dental bridge in our Sydney dental clinic.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are restorative dental appliances that bridge the gap caused by one or more missing teeth. They consist of two or more dental crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap and a pontic — the false tooth that fills the space to support the replacement tooth or teeth. Dental bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth’s colour, size and shape, giving you a seamless and natural-looking smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
Several types of dental bridges are available, each with unique pros and cons. The most common dental crown bridges include:
- Traditional dental bridges — Traditional dental bridges are by far the most common, made from either porcelain fused to metal or ceramic. A crown is made for the tooth or implant on either side of the gap with a pontic or imitation tooth in between.
- Cantilever dental bridges — This type of dental bridge is similar to the traditional bridge but only requires one dental crown. A single crown supports the pontic and extends into the gap. Cantilever bridges are used when adjacent teeth are on one side of the missing tooth or teeth. They’re best suited for the back of the mouth to avoid placing too much force on other teeth and damaging them.
- Resin-bonded bridges or Maryland dental bridges — Resin-bonded bridges or Maryland bridges are made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or plastic teeth and gums supported by metal or porcelain. They consist of a pontic and two metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. They are ideal for dental patients who prefer a more conservative treatment that preserves most of their natural teeth.
The Perks of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges certainly reap benefits for your dental health, including:
- Improving speech — Missing teeth can affect your speech, causing you to slur or mumble your words, contributing to a lack of confidence when conversing. Dental bridges restore your ability to speak clearly, helping you communicate to the best of your ability.
- Improving appearance — Dental bridges are custom-made to blend in with the colour, size and shape of your natural teeth, restoring your smile.
- Improving chewing ability — Missing teeth can make chewing and eating your go-to meals difficult. Dental bridges allow you to eat comfortably so you can enjoy your favourite foods in no time.
- Preventing teeth from shifting — When you have missing teeth, the remaining teeth can become more susceptible to shift and move, causing misalignment and potential bite problems. Dental bridges help prevent teeth shifting, ensuring proper alignment and bite.
The Process of Getting Dental Bridges
Getting dental bridges typically involves two or three visits to our clinic:
- The initial consultation
Our dentist will prepare the adjacent teeth for dental crowns during the first visit by removing a small portion of the enamel. We’ll then take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory for your custom-made bridge to be created. In the meantime, we will make you a temporary bridge to wear in the interim.
- Follow-up appointment
Once your bridge is ready, we’ll schedule your second appointment to place your dental crowns and bridge. We’ll check and adjust the fit to ensure it feels comfortable and secure. After the placement, we’ll provide care instructions to help you maintain your dental bridge for the long haul. We’ll organise for you to return to our clinic as necessary for regular checkups.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last for?
A dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. This varies from patient to patient and can depend on how well you look after your bridge. You can expect dental bridges to last over 10 years with proper oral care and regular check-ups.
Steps to Take to Care for Your Dental Bridge
To ensure your dental bridge lasts for many years to come, we strongly recommend taking the following steps:
- Brush and floss your teeth daily — Flossing around your real and false teeth is essential to remove plaque. Allowing plaque to build up around the false teeth of your dental bridge can affect the health of your natural teeth and pose the risk of gum disease and decay. You should clean your dental bridge just like your real teeth.
- Be mindful of what you eat — Where possible, try to avoid eating hard foods like ice or sticky foods like candy that will irritate your dental bridge.
- Keep up-to-date with regular dental visits — Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleans to help maintain the lifespan of your dental bridge.
Dental Bridge vs Dental Implants
There are two methods to replace a missing tooth — a dental bridge or a tooth implant. Unlike a dental bridge, which supports a replacement tooth or teeth between two natural teeth, dental implants are surgically embedded into the jawbone, acting as a new root for your tooth.
A dental bridge is a far less invasive treatment option since it does not require surgery. That said, a dental implant will likely last the rest of your life, while a dental bridge requires replacement. If you want your treatment option to be discreet, dental implants are slightly less noticeable since they’re embedded below the gum, while a dental bridge sits above the gums and may be more noticeable.
Moreover, a dental bridge is a cheaper alternative to dental implants and can replace a tooth in a few sittings, while a dental implant can take months to complete. In your initial consultation, your dentist will work closely with you to discuss your treatment options and provide a solution that best suits your needs.
Book your Appointment With No Gaps Dental Today
Dental bridges are an excellent restorative solution if you’re suffering from missing teeth. If you’re considering dental bridges, we recommend scheduling a consultation to determine the best option for your needs. At No Gaps Dental, we’re situated across 15 dental clinics in Sydney, local to public transport, for your convenience.
We offer some of the most competitive prices in the Sydney Metro area, putting our clients above all else. Our payment plans allow anyone to purchase dental bridges in Sydney and pay them off at a pace that suits your budget needs. For all your cosmetic dentistry needs, reach out to our team to book an appointment and kickstart your journey to a brighter smile.