Bridges

A bridge may be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the adjacent teeth to drift or over grow into the empty space resulting in a bad bite.

Bridges span the space where there are missing teeth. They are cemented to natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth serve as anchors for the bridge. The replacement tooth is a false tooth called a ‘pontic’ that is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments.

Before the bridge can be made the adjacent teeth are prepared in the same way a tooth is prepared for a crown. Each of the teeth that are to be used as a support are anaesthetised and then reduced to fit your new bridge. Once the underlying teeth are prepared we take an impression and other records so the bridge can be made by our ceramist.

We construct a temporary tooth coloured bridge to provide protection to the prepared teeth until your next appointment.

At this next visit we remove your temporary bridge and fit your permanent porcelain bridge, making sure that the fit and appearance are right for your mouth.

It is vital to treat your new bridge as you would your own teeth and maintain your oral hygiene with brushing, flossing and attending your regular 6 monthly professional cleaning appointments.