A Bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth.
A Bridge can be made in a number of ways:
- Two teeth nearest to either side of the gap are prepared and crowns fixed on them with the missing teeth suspended in the middle.
- A bridge can be bonded to the inside of the teeth on either side of the gap.
- A bridge can be only fixed to a tooth on one side of the gap.
Bridges are made with various materials:
- Porcelain bonded to precious metal.
- Porcelain bonded to gold.
For a bridge preparation you will need to have two appointments. At the first appointment your dentist will ‘prep’ the teeth supporting the bridge. A silicone impression material is used to take impressions of the prepped teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental technician who will fabricate the bridge to fit your teeth and ensure the bite is in occlusion.
Sometimes if the bridge is supporting several teeth or you bite incorrectly it may take a few appointments to try the bridge in and send it away again until the bite is correct. Once the dentist and the technician are happy with what has been constructed the dentist will then fix the bridge. This will be done using cement and, in most cases, does not require local anaesthetics.
The dentist will recommend for you to see the hygienist so that they can show you how to look after the bridge and maintain the oral hygiene in that area.
