A dental bridge effectively “bridges the gap” left by a missing tooth (or teeth). The bridge is formed using crowns that attach to the healthy, natural teeth on either side of the gap, which act as anchors for the prosthetic tooth that will be placed in the missing tooth space.
The combination of crowns and the dental bridge gives increased support to the replacement tooth and helps it blend in with the surrounding natural teeth in a more innocuous way, leaving you with a seamless, complete smile.
Furthermore, filling in the gap of a missing tooth or teeth with a dental bridge will significantly reduce the chance of decay or gum disease impacting the surrounding teeth. If gaps are left untreated, the remaining teeth around the missing tooth can also suffer.
Due to the bonding that takes place on the anchor teeth, a dental bridge cannot be removed like a denture. It is a semi-permanent fixture that can last up to 15 years if maintained properly.
The number one reason for having a bridge fitted is to replace one or more missing teeth. You may have undergone a tooth extraction that has left you with a visible gap in your smile, or you could have lost multiple teeth due to an accident or an injury. In either situation, a dental bridge can help give you back a full and complete smile.
A dentist will normally recommend a dental bridge if you do not suffer from many missing teeth or if all of your missing teeth are grouped together on one side of the mouth. As already mentioned, a dental bridge will only work if the missing tooth or teeth are flanked by healthy, natural teeth on either side.
Reasons for having a dental bridge include:
The first step to having a dental bridge fitted is for our Glasgow dentists to examine your mouth and make sure you have strong enough teeth and sufficient bone support for the dental bridge procedure to work effectively.
If it’s determined that a dental bridge is a suitable option for you, then we will take an initial impression of your mouth so as to better understand the shape of your mouth and bite.
After this, it is likely that some small changes will be made to the teeth that will act as the anchors of the bridge. Often, these surrounding teeth will need to be reduced in size to ensure the dental bridge fits securely and comfortably within the mouth.
Your professional Glasgow dentist will then create the bridge, crowns and replacement tooth cap in our dental lab, ensuring that every part of the bridge is custom-made to fit your mouth exactly.
The bridge will be made from metal, porcelain, ceramic or a combination of these materials. We will also match the colour of the replacement tooth exactly with your natural teeth to form an aesthetically pleasing smile.
It’s normal for the custom bridge work to take a few days or possibly up to a few weeks to be made in the dental lab. In the meantime, you may be fitted with a temporary bridge or crown to protect your gums and avoid any discomfort or short-term embarrassment during this waiting period. This will all be communicated clearly from the outset if you choose to opt for dental bridges from The Park Practice.
Both dental implants and dental bridges are great solutions for replacing missing or damaged teeth. The option that you choose will depend on the current condition of your teeth and jaw bone as well as your personal budget.
The advantages of dental implants are:
More durable
Seen as a more permanent solution
No need for healthy teeth to be filled down
Offer a more natural appearance with better aesthetic results
However, dental implant surgery is more complex, more invasive and requires a strong jaw bone. Plus, dental implant surgery is significantly more expensive, often more than double the price of dental bridge work.
The benefits dental bridges have over dental implants are:
Dental bridges cost less than dental implants
Less invasive treatment
Quicker treatment time
More effective treatment for consecutive missing teeth
Still offer long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing results
As with most treatments, dental bridges can vary in cost depending on the type of bridge you opt for and the number of teeth that need replacing.
The Park Practice in Glasgow offers high-quality ceramic bridgework at the cost of just £750. Bare in mind that bridge work includes the bridge itself, the attached crowns and the custom tooth replacement.
You can view our full price breakdown for more information on the cost of dental bridges in Glasgow.
It’s also worth noting that The Park Practice has excellent finance options to help make advanced dental treatments more affordable for all.
Dental bridge work is a reliable dental solution that can improve the look and health of your smile. If you’re feeling self-conscious about a discoloured, misshapen or missing tooth, dental bridgework could be the affordable dental solution that you’ve been looking for.
Our team of professional, friendly dentists is well-versed in dental bridgework and will offer our honest advice on how best to solve your particular dental issue
Contact The Park Practice team today and book yourself in for an initial consultation to take a step toward a fuller, stronger smile.