BRIDGES
A dental bridge is made by either cementing a metal wing (adhesive bridge) or placing one or more crowns (conventional bridge) to the teeth at either side of a gap, a false tooth is fixed to the crown(s) or wing and fills the space. A bridge is manufactured in a dental laboratory and is cemented into place with special adhesives. The bridge is fixed in position and is not removable.
An adhesive bridge has ‘wings’ that are bonded to the back of the supporting teeth, with very little drilling needed.
Bridges are only possible if the adjacent teeth are healthy and strong with good bone support. We will help you to decide what the best way of replacing your missing tooth/teeth is.
Once the tooth is prepared to the correct size, the dentist will take an impression (mould) of the tooth and send it to a dental technician for the fabrication of the bridge. A temporary crown/bridge may be placed if required. Once the bridge is fabricated and you and the dentist are happy with the fit and appearance of the bridge, the dentist will use a dental cement to ensure it is fixed in the correct position.
Bridges are usually made of porcelain bonded to metal, however some bridges can now be made entirely of porcelain.