Bridges
The Tried and Tested Way to Fill the GapBridges
The Tried and Tested Way to Fill the Gap
A bridge, just as the name suggests, is a tooth replacement treatment that fills the gaps caused by missing teeth and restores your smile to a more natural looking state.
A conventional bridge is made by using the two teeth on either side of the gap as anchors. Once your Camlough Dental team has properly prepared these teeth, the bridge is cemented permanently to the teeth to fill the space.
A bridge is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to rejuvenate and strengthen your teeth.
The Process
Putting Your Bridge in Place
To put your bridge in place we usually schedule 2 appointments.
Appointment 1
During your first visit, we will prepare the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap and take impressions that we will use to build the new bridge.
Appointment 2
The second appointment typically occurs roughly three weeks later. During this visit we fit the bridge and make any adjustments so that it looks and feels as natural as possible.
The Benefits of a Bridge
When gaps from missing teeth are left empty there is a significant risk that the surrounding teeth in the area will begin to shift or rotate into the empty space. This can disrupt your bite, making it difficult to chew your food properly, and potentially lead to gum disease or the loss of even more teeth.
A bridge can restore your brilliant smile, help you chew properly, and help prevent further damage and more expensive treatments further down the road.
Aftercare
Caring for Your New Bridge
By following these aftercare guidelines, you can help make sure your new bridge lasts for many years to come:
- For the first 24-48 hours, avoid hard or sticky foods, as these can put excessive pressure on the bridge before it has properly settled
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and interdental brushes or floss once a day, using a gentle back and forth motion, to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth
- Avoid biting on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, which can chip and damage the bridge
- If you participate in sports, especially contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and bridge
- Visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism), talk to your dentist about treatment options. Bruxism can put excessive pressure on your bridge and cause it to wear down or break
- Avoid smoking as it can stain your bridge
- If you notice any chips, cracks, discoloration, or your bridge has come loose, contact your dentist immediately.
FAQs
Will the bridge cause me discomfort?
At Camlough Dental, all of our highly trained dentists use the latest technologies and techniques to avoid any discomfort and make the experience as comfortable as possible.
However, some patients may experience a small amount of sensitivity after the treatment, but it typically goes away on its own within a few days. Some bridges are less invasive than others and shouldn’t cause any discomfort whatsoever. If you do experience any pain, basic over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually take care of it.
What will my bridge be made from?
Bridges can be made from many different materials but the most common is porcelain or a combination of porcelain and metal. Porcelain is popular because it is free from metals, looks incredibly natural and more closely matches the colour of the surrounding teeth.
Is a bridge better than a denture?
Bridges are permanently fixed in your mouth so they look and act more like natural teeth. This makes it easier for you to eat foods like fresh vegetables, fruit and crusty bread. They are also more comfortable, easier to clean, take up less space in your mouth and are less likely to affect your speech.
Dentures, on the other hand, need to be removed every day to allow your gums and palate to ‘breathe’ to reduce the chances of disease and further tooth loss.
Your dentist will help you decide which treatment is best for you.
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