Bridges

What are Bridges?

A Bridge is a fixed restorative treatment used to replace one or more missing teeth. Missing teeth change the appearance of your smile and place greater strain on all other teeth used for chewing and in particular the teeth either side of the ‘gap’.

A gap can also mean your bite (occlusion) is affected and most probably cause the teeth next to this space to eventually lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to both decay and gum disease often resulting in the loss of further teeth. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or by implants and are made by creating a crown for each supporting tooth or implant on both sides of the gap with a false tooth/teeth between the crowns filling the space between.
A Bridge will last many years and help you maintain a healthy, vibrant smile and safeguard the integrity of existing teeth. After a thorough examination, our Dental team will advise you on the best way of replacing your missing teeth

Bridges Procedure

Porcelain Bridges

The use of full Porcelain Bridges is rapidly increasing. Displaying the same translucence as normal teeth, full Porcelain Bridges have a completely natural look making them esthetically the preferred choice for front teeth replacement. With the strength of modern materials now used in their construction, they are placed anywhere in the mouth.

ZIRCONIUM – A plaster model is made from the impression taken of the prepared tooth. The model is scanned and a frame is designed using a computer. The milling machine cuts the frame out from a zirconium disc. Porcelain layers are built up on the frame and detail colouring is added.
IPS EMAX – A plaster model is made from the impression taken of the prepared tooth. A wax frame is made on the model, and then used to produce a mould. The e.max lithium disilicate ceramic is pressed into the mould. Porcelain layers and detail colouring can be added to achieve the most natural appearance.

Porcelain on Metal Bridges

Porcelain fused to metal Bridges remain one of dentistry’s primary restorations of choice; they are strong and reliable.

ALLOY – A metal thimble base is cast in noble alloy using the impression taken by the Dentist then veneered with layers of porcelain and fired in a kiln fusing the porcelain to the metal framework. Often used in the molar regions as they can withstand considerable biting force, these are still popular Bridges.
GOLD – When individual back teeth are broken but some good healthy tooth structure remains, porcelain fused to gold Bridges can be used. This is the strongest and longest lasting back teeth restoration procedure. Once the tooth is properly prepared, the technique is similar to the porcelain fused to metal crown technique. The benefit of this restoration is the strength advantage of a gold base which supports the tooth during heavy biting.