Post date: 1st December 2020

Missing teeth solutions - Bridges

We understand that missing teeth can affect your self-confidence, and gaps in your smile may prevent you from sharing your smile. It is important to replace your missing teeth to stop your remaining teeth from drifting into the empty space, and to boost your self-confidence by restoring your smile. If left untreated, missing teeth will likely affect your chewing, speaking and put additional strain on teeth either side of the gap.

If you are looking to improve your smile and boost your confidence by replacing your missing teeth, a bridge may be the right solution for you, the second option in our missing teeth series.

A bridge is made up of two or more crowns, that fit to teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth, these crowns serve as anchors for the false tooth or teeth that go between and act as the ‘bridge’.

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The benefits of a bridge

A bridge is a good option for you if you don’t have many missing teeth, or if the missing teeth are all on one side of your mouth.
Bridges can restore your smile. It will support the false tooth/teeth, and reduce the susceptibility of remaining teeth to decay and gum disease.
If you wanted an alternative to dental implants, a bridge can delay or mitigate the need for an implant.
A bridge can boost your self-confidence by restoring the appearance of your smile, it will also prevent your other teeth from drifting into the empty space.

How your bridge is fitted

Our dentists understand that restoring your smile and confidence is important to you. They will examine your teeth and jaw at your first appointment to evaluate the best solution for your missing teeth. If you’re teeth are strong with good bone support then a bridge could be a good option.

Your dentist will take a scan of your mouth, from which a plaster or digital model of your teeth and gums will be built. This will help your dentist understand how your teeth bite together and allow them to will prepare the bridge to fit your teeth.

The teeth either side of the gap need to be reduced in size to fit the fixings and accommodate the bridge comfortably.

Once your bridge has been fitted you will need to clean it and the false tooth or teeth it supports every day, just like your natural teeth. Your dentist will show you how to use a floss threader or special floss to ensure your bridge is thoroughly cleaned.

To prevent damage, it’s best to avoid chewing hard foods and ice and by taking good care of your bridge you can ensure it will last many years. If you would like to discuss the bridge options available at Portman Dental & Implant Clinic, or would like a more permanent solution in the form of dental implants, please contact us on 01566 773873 – we’ll be happy to help.