FIXED BRIDGES

Advantages

• Natural aesthetics and feel

Dental bridges are designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Unlike a partial denture, there is no bulk in your mouth.

• Restored Function

Bridges restore the ability to bite and chew properly. They can improve your ability to speak clearly and enjoy a wider variety of foods.

• Stability

Bridges are fixed in place and are stable within the mouth. They do not require removal for cleaning or maintenance.

• Preservation of Tooth Alignment

When a tooth is lost, the neighbouring teeth may shift and become misaligned over time. Dental bridges prevent this from happening by filling the gap and maintaining the proper alignment of the remaining teeth.

• Faster Treatment Time

Compared to dental implant placement, which requires a surgical procedure and a healing period, dental bridges can be completed relatively quickly. The process involves preparing the supporting teeth, taking impressions, and fitting the bridge, which results in a shorter overall treatment time.

Disadvantages

• Tooth Preparation

To support the bridge, the adjacent teeth need to be prepared by removing a layer of enamel to make space for the artificial teeth. This is an irreversible process.

• Aesthetics

If there is significant gum missing, it is difficult to replace this with fixed bridge work while also maintaining a bridge that is aesthetic and easy to clean.

• Maintenance Challenges

Cleaning and maintaining a dental bridge can be more challenging compared to natural teeth. Special flossing techniques or interdental brushes may be required to clean under and around the bridge to prevent the build-up of plaque and food particles.

• Potential for Bridge Failure

Poor oral hygiene or inadequate cleaning of the bridge can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If a supporting tooth underneath the bridge develops decay or other issues, it may compromise the integrity of the bridge.

• Affordability

Fixed bridgework is more expensive than a partial denture.

Placing a bridge usually takes two visits.
 

• We prepare the supporting teeth on either side of the gap. Each tooth is made into a peg shape, trimming away just enough tooth to make space for the bridge to fit over the top.

• An impression is taken of the prepared teeth and sent to the dental technician. 

• We make a temporary bridge out of composite, which is bonded on with temporary glue. It is important to remember that this temporary bridge is designed to come off! Patients need to be careful flossing and avoid eating sticky foods so that the bridge stays in place.

• The bridge is constructed in a laboratory by our technician. 

• To get the best aesthetics, the technician will sometimes make a consultation appointment with the patient to choose the best colour and shape.

• At the second appointment, which is 2-3 weeks later, the bridge is tried in and checked for fit and appearance. Any adjustments are made. Once everyone is happy, the bridge is bonded into place.