Dental bridges are dental restorations used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental cement is used to keep the bridges in place, making this type of cosmetic dentistry long lasting and effective. Most bridges are made up of a false tooth, known as a pontic which is attached to neighboring teeth using dental Crowns which serve to hold the false tooth in place.
Crowns by Dr ABC
Technician: XYZ
The Treatment
To create your dental bridge some alterations to the neighboring natural teeth may be required in order to make sure that there is sufficient room for the supporting crowns. An impression mould of your teeth will be made by your dentist using specialized dental putty. The mould of your teeth is sent off to a special laboratory where the bridge will be custom-made.
Bridge Options:
- Porcelain fused to a metal structure
This is the traditional and most documented material used. The dental technician expertly shapes and blends porcelain onto a metal structure, onto which the porcelain then gets fused. This gives a strong framework that is very durable and aesthetic.
- Porcelain fused to Zirconia structure
A metal free option. Zirconia is an extremely strong porcelain-like structure that mimics tooth structure. The zirconia replaces the metal framework, giving a more aesthetic result.
- Maryland Bridge
A great aesthetic option that entails very little grinding of the neighbouring teeth. The Maryland Bridges are made up of a specialized resin or porcelain which is cemented directly onto the enamel of the adjacent teeth by means of a “wing” attachment. Due to the light preparations involved there’s no need to expose the part of your tooth known as the dentin. This eliminates the risk of the procedure creating sensitivity to your teeth. The process is usually completely reversible.
Caring for your bridge
As with all dental restorations, it is important to maintain a decent level of oral hygiene. If you take good care, your bridge may last upwards of ten years. As your bridge is still vulnerable to damage caused by insufficient brushing and excessive intake of sugary foods and drinks, it is therefore vital that you care for your bridge(s) as you would your natural teeth.
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