Bridges
What is a Dental Bridge?
Missing teeth may distract from an otherwise beautiful smile. These gaps can also create functional and maintenance problems for your remaining natural teeth.
We use dental bridges to restore your smile, creating the appearance of a complete and healthy set of teeth. A bridge is a fixed, permanent dental appliance composed of artificial teeth fused to two crowns. The dental bridge anchors to the surrounding abutment teeth via the crowns or dental implants, which hold it securely in place.
Anchoring to one or both teeth on either side of a gap, a bridge can replace single or multiple missing teeth in a row.
Benefits of Bridges
The impact of dental bridges can be more than skin deep. Here are a few benefits for patients who receive dental bridges at our Wokingham, Berkshire, dental practice.
Improved Appearance
Dental bridges can impact and enhance one's physical attractiveness. By eliminating unsightly gaps in teeth, the smile becomes complete again. A person's smile says a lot about how they take care of themselves, and getting dental bridges done can help with this.
Easier Chewing
With gaps in one's teeth, chewing certain types of food can present difficulties. Bridges will fill those gaps and restore more normal teeth function when eating. Food can become enjoyable again without worrying about how your teeth look.
Maintain Face Shape
Irregularities in one's mouth can impact face shape. Specifically, missing or gaps in the teeth can alter a person's appearance. By getting bridges from smile2o, patients can expect to restore any issues with facial shape caused by abnormal teeth or the spaces between them.
Keep Teeth in Place
Bridges can help prevent surrounding teeth from migrating to the vacant space of a missing tooth, which can cause misalignment or bite issues. Missing teeth can present dangers to other nearby teeth if left untreated, making it vital to get bridges done as soon as possible.
Types of Dental Bridges
In general, there are four different types of dental bridges. The kind of bridge we recommend depends on your unique situation.
- Traditional bridges are one of the most commonly used types of bridges. They consist of two crowns on either side of a missing tooth, with a pontic between them. These bridges are typically made out of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
- Implant-supported bridges rely on the support of dental implants instead of crowns. These bridges are very similar to traditional bridges; they simply anchor differently. Patients will need to have dental implants placed for this type of bridge.
- Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one anchor tooth available. However, this type of bridge is not recommended for use in the back of the mouth as it can put too much force on the anchor tooth, potentially causing damage. It is often considered a second choice after dental implants or other restorative options.
- Maryland Bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, attach to the teeth using a supportive framework. The metal or porcelain framework bonds to the back of abutment teeth but requires a natural tooth on each side of the gap to be a viable option.
Privilege Plan
Making your regular appointments and dental treatment more affordable
Appointments
Contact the team to arrange an appointment
Refer a Patient
Refer a patient for treatment with our specialist prosthodontist
Bespoke Dental Bridges at Our Practice
At our UK dental practice, we design and place bridges that have been made just for you. Using images and measurements of the treatment area, the dental laboratory constructs your bridge to our specifications, including shape, size, and colour. Bridges from smile2o are custom-made to look and feel like your natural teeth.
Dental bridge treatment requires multiple appointments. Your first appointment will include your examination, tooth preparation, and treatment planning. When your new bridge is ready, we will have you back for a second appointment. After checking the fit and ensuring you are happy with the appliance, we use a special dental adhesive to affix the bridge to your abutment teeth or implants.
