Dental Bridges London
If you are missing teeth, our dentist can fill the gaps in your smile with dental bridges. Dental bridges are a custom-made, fixed or non-removable prosthesis used to restore gaps and replace one or more missing teeth. They are permanently bonded in place to provide a long-term solution for missing teeth.
Purposes of Dental Bridges
- Replacing missing teeth
- Preventing movement of other teeth
- Fixing the aesthetics of your smile
- Full mouth rehabilitation
- Dental Implant therapy
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can restore your smile, ability to chew food, speaking skills, and the functions of your teeth. It can also re-adjust your bite and help prevent your teeth from moving out of their correct position. Missing teeth can lead to increased risk of tooth decay, uneven wear and bite force, and impact the feel of your bite and appearance of your smile.
Common Causes of Missing Teeth
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Injury
- Genetics
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional Fixed Bridge: Two crowns are placed on the natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth, acting as support for the bridge that fills in the gap. This is the most popular type of dental bridge.
- Cantilever Bridge: The bridge is attached to one dental crown, which is cemented to one real tooth. This is for people who only have one natural tooth to attach the bridge to.
- Maryland Dental Bridge: Uses metal wings (framework) that attach onto the backs of nearby natural teeth, ideal for missing front teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Held in place by an implant instead of crowns or framework. The implant is surgically placed in the gum and holds the bridge in position, often requiring two surgeries.
How is a Dental Bridge Prepared?
We prepare the abutments for crowns when preparing teeth for a bridge, similar to crown preparation. After taking an imprint of the prepared teeth, we place a temporary bridge or crowns to protect the teeth and maintain their positions. We then send the imprint to a dental laboratory for bridge fabrication. On the next visit, we fit the bridge for a satisfactory fit and secure it in place.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular professional cleanings are essential to ensure the longevity of your dental bridge. Our dentist monitors the integrity of your bridge during regular exams and will recommend necessary maintenance or replacements.
If you have missing teeth and are considering a dental bridge, please call MEK Dental at (519) 668-7635 to schedule a consultation with our dentist. Our experienced team will help you find the best solution to keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful.