| A bridge is used to replace missing teeth and is one alternative to
partial dentures.
Bridges are usually made from a precious metal base and if the
bridge is visible, porcelain is then bonded to the base. To reduce
the cost, non-precious metals can sometimes be used for the base.
The bridge is made by constructing crowns (caps) or wings on the teeth either side
of the gap and joining them together with a false tooth. It is made
in the laboratory and cemented into place using a special dental
adhesive.
Once in place the bridge cannot be removed. Superfloss (available at
reception) is designed especially to clean bridges. Ask your
dentist for a demonstration. You can usually have a
bridge if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support.
A
bridge can improve the way you look, bite, chew and even speak, with
a good colour match. If teeth are not replaced or supported when
lost they can misalign other teeth causing your teeth to bite
together incorrectly.
There are alternatives to a fixed bridge including partial dentures and implants. All
have pros and cons so please give us a call for more advice. |