Dental Bridges
A single or multiple missing teeth may be replaced by the fabrication of a fixed bridge.
Dental Bridges
When a tooth is missing due to loss or extraction, the surrounding teeth often shift – sometimes within very short periods of time. This change in tooth position can cause problems with the bite or gums that can be expensive and time-consuming to correct later. It is therefore wise to consider the replacement of a missing tooth as quickly as possible. Sometimes the bite may remain stable even after the loss of teeth, and in these situations your dentist may advise that you could leave the space if it is not an aesthetic problem for you.
A single or multiple missing teeth may be replaced by the fabrication of a fixed bridge. Teeth on either side of the space can be used to anchor the bridge, either with some preparation of these teeth, or occasionally with no preparation at all. Alternatives to bridgework include removable dentures, dental implants, or to leave the space as it is. Typically, an implant is the treatment of choice as it is very predictable, does not involve any damage to adjacent teeth, and will last many years if looked after.
More information about bridges
There are two types of bridge that are available, they are discussed below and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each listed.
The tooth could be replaced with a conventional fixed bridge or an adhesive bridge.
Conventional fixed bridgework would involve cutting down teeth adjacent to the gap, to receive a crown. The bridge consists of two crowns and the replacement tooth all in one metal/porcelain unit.
Advantages
This will provide you with an excellent aesthetic result and good long-term prognosis.
Disadvantages
The preparation will involve drilling on healthy tooth tissue that otherwise would not need to have anything done to it.
An Adhesive (“sticky”) or Maryland Bridge consists of the replacement tooth stuck onto the back of the teeth adjacent to the gap.
Advantages
The preparation will involve very little reduction of teeth.
Disadvantages
The bridge is likely to require re-bonding periodically when it comes off at some stage. The aesthetic result can also be poor with this type of restoration sometimes.
Implant option
The space can be restored with a dental implant. Information on implants can be found in the implant section of the website; leaflets and further information in relation to this treatment can also be requested from the practice.