Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. The actual restoration is made from a false tooth (pontic) that is fused to a covering (or crowning) over one or both neighbouring teeth. The most commonly used dental bridge is a traditional fixed bridge. Bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, helping to restore function to the mouth and improve smile aesthetics.
Dental Bridges
These tooth restorations are available in three main types:
- Traditional fixed bridge
- Cantilever bridge
- Maryland bridge (resin-bonded bridge)
The type of bridge chosen will usually be dependent on the location of the missing tooth. Maryland bridges are mainly used to replace a missing front tooth and cantilever bridges are often employed in cases where there is a healthy tooth on only one side of the gap.
Bridges can be made from different materials including precious metals, porcelain and porcelain bonded to metal. Porcelain is a particularly popular option because it produces more natural aesthetics.
Why Would I Need A Dental Bridge?
You may need a dental bridge if you have lost a tooth or are to have a tooth extracted. It is always a good idea to replace missing teeth because gaps can affect the function and look of the mouth. Tooth gaps can cause the remaining teeth to start moving out of position (drifting), also contributing to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This is due to the fact that the empty tooth sockets tend to attract bacteria.
Replacing missing teeth enables you to eat properly and talk clearly. It will also help to improve the look of your smile and the general aesthetics of your face, as the teeth are responsible for supporting the lips and cheeks.
What Is The Process?
The first step when having a dental bridge made is to have an impression of your mouth prepared. Once your tooth is ready, we will take a detailed scan of your entire mouth and then use it to create your crown. Once your dental bridge is ready, it will be fitted in your mouth. Dr Anna might have to make a few adjustments to ensure that it fits your bite as comfortably as possible. Dr Anna will then bond the bridge in place and polish up its surface.
Intraoral Scanner
dhealth Dentistry has recently invested in an amazing new intraoral scanner. This brand new technology enables us to make a three dimensional digital impression of your mouth.
With our intraoral scanner, it means that the entire process is much quicker and less invasive. The scanning process takes mere minutes, and provides an extremely accurate impression of your teeth, gums and jaw line.
We no longer have to use putty (as was done traditionally to create conventional imprints). This means that the entire process is much more comfortable for you—the patient. Plus, with the traditionally used putty, the outcome was not always 100% accurate. This meant that the end fit of the dental bridge was not as exact as it should have been.
Our new intraoral scanner helps overcome all these issues.
Contact dhealth Dentistry Today
Contacting dhealth Dentistry in Melbourne couldn’t be easier. You can:- Call us on 03 9882 6938
- Email us at info@dhealth.com.au
- Pop in and see us at 257 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Melbourne