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Dental Bridges
The Esplanade Dental Centre
Free Dental Bridge Consultations Norwest
We understand that there is a lot to consider when it comes to dental crowns! With a myriad of dentistry options to solve so many different issues, it can be difficult to know which may be the best option for you. That's why we're offering free dental bridge consultations for a limited time at our Norwest dental clinic!
Dental Bridges Norwest
At Esplanade Dental Centre, our dentists are highly experienced when it comes to dental bridges. When you are treated at our Norwest dental practice, we'll ensure that your dental bridge not only fits perfectly, we'll also ensure that they will look nice, improving your confidence and have you smiling more again! We'll also ensure that we restore your ability to chew correctly!
Dental bridges are one of many solutions to tooth loss. Teeth can be lost due to extraction, damage or decay. When dental implants are not the right option for you, bridges are a popular option. Bridges are another form of a fixed prosthetic device and they’re usually made from the same materials as a crown. Unlike normal dentures, dental bridges are more comfortable and do not require any additional daily care.
Limited Time Offer
Free Dental Bridge Consultation
For a limited time, we're offering free dental bridge consultations! Learn whether a dental bridge is the right solution for you and get informed on all your dentistry options before making a decision. Our friendly and experienced team will help you decide on the best possible dental procedure for your specific circumstances! Our dental practice is conveniently located in Norwest. We're only minutes away from Baulkham Hills and Bella Vista with bus stops moments away and plenty of parking.
What is a dental bridge?
The purpose of a dental bridge is to bridge the gap created by a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge is supported by either natural teeth or dental implants. They are typically made from porcelain or metal and are a type of permanent fixed prosthetic. They are a more affordable alternative to individual dental implants when replacing multiple teeth, and a better alternative to dentures as they do not need to be removed daily and function more like your natural teeth.
How does a dental bridge work?
Whereas dental crowns can repair and reinforce damaged teeth, a bridge's sole function is to replace one or more missing teeth. The procedure starts with our dentists placing caps on filed-down teeth or installing dental implants at the outer edges of your area of tooth loss. Replacement teeth (called ‘pontics’ or artificial teeth) span the space between the caps or natural teeth where the teeth are missing.
Just like with dental crowns, you have a choice of materials available to you for your bridge. Your dentist will advise you on your material choice based on your individual needs and preferences.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
Bridges are custom designed and made. Before your dentist at our Norwest dental clinic can have your bridge made, the teeth at the outer edges of the area of tooth loss will need to be reduced in size so that your bridge will fit on them properly. That is unless they are placing the bridge on dental implants. Like with a crown, your dentist will then take an impression to provide an exact mould for the bridge. Using this impression, your dentist will either create your bridge in-house or send the model to a dental laboratory. Your dentist will use temporary crowns or bridges to cover the prepared teeth while the dental laboratory manufactures your bridge.
Below you will find a list of dental bridge options and what you can expect from each of them:
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Traditional dental bridges:
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These are the most popular types of dental bridges and are used when your natural teeth surround a missing tooth or gap on both sides. Traditional bridges are usually made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal and are strong enough to replace molars. These bridges consist of one or more “pontic teeth” (artificial tooth in the fixed or removable partial dentures) that are held in place by two abutment teeth. “Abutment teeth” are natural teeth that are given dental crowns to support the fake teeth, or “pontic teeth,” between them.
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Cantilever bridges:
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These are similar to traditional bridges but instead of being attached to two abutment teeth at either side, they are only attached to one side. When natural teeth are only present on one side of a gap, cantilever bridges are used so a bridge can still be secured. Because cantilever bridges are only supported by one side, they may be more prone to complications like tooth fractures or loosened crowns,
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Maryland bridges:
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Are also known as resin-bonded bridges. They are often recommended for replacing teeth at the front of the mouth. These bridges use metal or porcelain bands to bind a pontic tooth to the backs of adjacent natural teeth. Although considered a more conservative alternative to traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require adjacent teeth to have their enamel removed, as the bridge doesn’t need to be held in place by crowns. The downside of this is that Maryland bridges are not as durable as traditional bridges and they are only as strong as the binding material that holds them together.
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Implant-Supported bridges:
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These are like regular dental bridges, but instead of being supported by natural teeth, they are supported by dental implants. These bridges are used when you have more than one missing tooth or when there is a higher chance you could put too much pressure on individual implants that are not connected. One dental implant is placed for every missing tooth to create a series that holds the bridge in place. In some cases, your dentist may include a pontic tooth between two implant-supported crowns if it’s not possible to place one implant for every lost tooth. Since two surgeries are required for implant-supported crowns, one to set the dental implants and one to place the bridge, the process can take several months before you get your finished implant-supported bridge.
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How are dental bridges made?
Are there alternatives to getting a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are a great solution for missing teeth. They're ultimately a more cost-effective solution than individual dental implants while being a fixed prosthetic that will be more comfortable and require less daily attention than traditional dentures.
You may opt for individual dental implants if cost is not a concern and you want the most natural-feeling results. Alternatively, dentures may be the right choice for you from an affordability perspective. Importantly, our dentists will go through all the pros and cons of each procedure in detail when you visit us to ensure you make the right decision for your specific circumstances.
Get in touch with us today to discuss all your options!
How do I maintain my dental bridge?
The quality of the material in your dental bridge is not the only factor that determines the durability of your bridges. A large part of the longevity of your bridges rests on your personal oral hygiene, diet and the health of the supporting teeth and gums. In short, while dental bridges do not require any additional care (as required by dentures), every type of dental bridge requires a commitment to attentive oral care. That means that you need to ensure you brush and floss correctly at least twice a day. With the right diligence and care, we've seen patients with dental bridges that have lasted decades!
When you visit Esplanade Dental clinic in the Norwest, our dentists will not only help you with your dental bridges but can also help educate you on proper brushing and flossing techniques to maintain or dental bridges and ensure good oral health. Our dental hygienist can also talk to you about how to effectively care for your dental bridges. You may consider avoiding certain foods that are more likely to cause problems, like nuts, caramel and popcorn. We can go through ways you can better care for, and extend the life of your dental bridges with you.
