Dental Bridges
A PERMANENT APPLIANCE THAT REPLACES MISSING TEETHS
Dental Bridges Warrnambool
Dental bridges are false teeth that act as an alternative to implants. They replace one or more missing teeth with false teeth that are anchored by surrounding teeth, thus creating a ‘bridge’.
Each false tooth is called a pontic and is either connected to another false tooth or to a crown that connects to a real neighbouring tooth.
This process usually takes about two weeks, after which your dentist will cement the bridge onto neighbouring teeth. Combined, your dental visits should only amount to about 2 hours.
Warrnambool dental bridges can last ten years or longer depending on the supporting teeth to which they are attached.
Why Should I Get Dental Bridges?
Bridges can offer the perfect solution to missing teeth.
You may choose to get dental bridges to:
- Improve your smile and for cosmetic purposes
- Correct your bite
- Correct your speech, which can be affected by missing teeth
- Restore the shape of your face, which can be affected by missing teeth
- Prevent food from building up in the gap, which can cause gum disease and tooth decay
Types of Dental Bridges
Four main types of dental bridges are available as a means of tooth replacement.
Conventional Bridges
Conventional bridges are used when there are natural teeth on both sides of the gap left by the missing tooth.
They involve reshaping the teeth on both sides of the gap to make room for attaching crowns on them, with a pontic in between in replacement of the missing tooth.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are used when there are nearby teeth on only one side of the missing tooth.
The pontic is held on only one side, rather than on both sides, by one or two crowned abutments.
It may act as a lever causing complications such as broken teeth or loosened crowns.
There is a high risk at the back of the mouth due to strong molar biting forces that can weaken the bridge.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges are considered conservative alternatives to traditional bridges. These bridges consist of one pontic that is held in place by a framework.
This framework is attached onto the back of the tooth next to the missing tooth with composite resin cement.
Minimal alteration of the adjacent tooth is needed – your dentist will need to remove only a very small portion of tooth from the back surfaces of these teeth.
The strength of the bridge is limited by the strength of the resin that keeps it in place, so it may dislodge if used in the molar areas.
Implant-supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are the most stable type of bridges. The dentist surgically attaches tiny biocompatible implants made of titanium in the patient’s jawbone, and these hold the whole restoration.
One implant is installed for every missing tooth. An alternative is a pontic placed between two implant-supported crowns.
Patients who are considering an implant-supported bridge must have enough bone in their jaws to support the implants.
The procedure is expensive, invasive and time-consuming, with long recovery time and post-treatment sensitivity.
However, the outcome of this treatment option can last a lifetime, making it worth the investment.
What Kind of Material Can I Choose From?
You may choose from several types of material when creating your dental crowns, including:
Pure Metal
This material is constructed from high noble or base metal. Expected lifespan 20+ years. Coloured gold or silver. Mid-to-high costs.
Metal and Porcelain
This material is made with metal fused to a coating of porcelain — expected lifespan 10-20 years. Natural tooth-coloured. Mid-to-high costs.
All-Ceramic
This material does not contain metal. Expected lifespan 10-20 years. Mid-to-high costs. Ideal for cosmetic appearance.
Dental Bridges in Warrnambool
Dental bridges made and installed at Warrnambool Dental are safe and effective. Consult with your Warrnambool dentist today!
Dental Bridges in Warrnambool
Call us on (03) 5562 4433 or visit us at 454A Raglan Parade in Warrnambool.
Dental FAQ’s
Listed below are the most commonly asked questions we receive from our patients.
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