A dental bridge is a cost-effective and popular method of restoring artificial teeth to a gap left by one or more missing teeth, provided there are still healthy teeth surrounding it.
An Overview of Dental Bridges to Replace Missing Teeth
A bridge fixes one or more replacement teeth between two existing teeth, by attaching to them. If you have a missing tooth, it is necessary to replace it if you want to maintain good dental health. A gap means an exposed gum, which makes you more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay. Also, healthy teeth can drift into the space left by a missing tooth, causing alignment issues and problems throughout the mouth. The main benefits of bridges are that they are low-cost, as well as being quicker and less invasive than implants. Usually, a bridge can be completed in two visits.
Different Types of Dental Bridge – Which Is The Best?
Traditional Bridges
Cantilever Bridges
Composite Bridge
Implant-Supported Bridges
In cases where the surrounding teeth are strong and healthy, and only one replacement tooth is needed, sometimes a different method may be used.
The Maryland Bridge is when a single replacement tooth is attached to surrounding teeth, by wings on each side of it which then embed into the healthy teeth. View Dental Bridge vs Dental Implants.
In some cases, a Cantilever bridge can be used, which is when a replacement tooth is attached on only one side.
However, this has become a less popular method of a dental bridge.
As it can cause complications due to undue strain put on the supporting teeth, cases that were once deemed appropriate for cantilever bridges are often restored by other methods.
To make a bridge, a dentist like Dr Philip McCauley must prepare the healthy teeth surrounding the gap.
For the traditional style of dental bridge, the two teeth on either side of the gap are shaped to accommodate caps, which look like healthy teeth.
This will occur on the first session of installing the bridge, and once the existing teeth have been shaped, a mould will be made of the area.
This mould is used to create the bridge, which consists of an artificial tooth or set of two or more teeth with caps on either side.
At the next session, the caps are fixed to the shaped teeth and the bridge is installed.
The caps join to either side of the replacement tooth, which sits in the gap, forming the bridge. This is the traditional style of a dental bridge.
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Implant secured bridges
Sometimes, bridges can be attached to dental implants; and an implant can be installed in a gap, in place of a supporting tooth, or a bridge can be attached to an existing implant.
As always, at the Dorset Dental Implant Clinic, your dentist will consult with you on a case by case basis and create a dental replacement solution that is tailored to your needs.
The Dental Bridge is a permanent tooth replacement solution which, once installed, cannot be removed at home. Like all artificial teeth, as well as your natural teeth, it will need to be carefully cleaned daily.
Your dentist will show you how to do this, and provide you with the necessary equipment.
great service. thank you everyone at Dorset Dental Clinic.
Carol Jewell
2022-02-11
I have always put off going to the dentist as I really dread it..but now I look forward to going since visiting Philip, Kayleigh and all their staff.. they are all super friendly but yet professional and the technology and treatment is to such a high standard!
I didn’t feel a thing when having the work done and the after care has been incredible… keeping in touch and fitting me in sometimes within a day ..
Will definitely be coming back for any future treatment .. 😊
PAUL BOYCE
2021-12-22
Highly recommend Dorset Dental Clinic for dental implants.
I was referred to Phil by my regular local dentist, as he assured me that he was the best around for implants, he was absolutely right and I am so glad I took his advice.
If anyone is thinking of having dental implants, and are a bit nervous of the process, don’t be, it really is easy with the right team doing it.
Thank you so much Dorset dental clinic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stewart Hall
2021-12-13
Excellent customer care from all the staff. Thank you
Andy Phillips
2021-12-13
My dentist put me in touch with Dorset Dental implants just over 3 years ago in relation to having an implant and I am very pleased he did. The three year wait was due to having to go under general anaesthetic at Poole Hospital to have an embedded tooth removed. Doctor Philip McCauley advised me that there would be a wait and was kind enough to give detail on the scans and the complexities of my case twice. The second time he allowed me to film them on my phone as the hospital were unable to locate the original file. This was particularly helpful as I had just ran over the road from the hospital appointment and back again, job done. I've now had the implant fitted and cannot thank Philip and his team any more. They explain everything in detail, put you at ease, offer after care and although I am mid-treatment I have no worries that all will end well.
Keith Stott
2021-12-11
I have been having my teeth problems attended to by DDI since the practice opened and have received excellent service from them. I have had 13 implants over the past 25 years in the USA and the UK and I can say with conviction that the service I have received at DDI has been the best.
Nigel Duck
2021-12-08
Explained the entire treatment & talked me through step by step.
Made me at ease & complete reassurance throughout.
Kamila Finch
2021-12-07
Dorset Dental Implants are great, I have been looking for a place like this for a long time and I am happy to have now found them, great service.
Lovely staff, very friendly and highly professional.