What is a Bridge?

Dental Bridge Porcelain Bridge in Cork

A Dental Bridge...

A Dental bridge is a special type of dental restoration appliance that helps to bridge gaps between teeth. These gaps can be caused by a number of things including missing teeth, or the natural space the patient is born with between their teeth. Commonly, a dental bridge will have a pontic (a prosthetic tooth) attached to it to replace a tooth that has come out for whatever reason.
By bridging these gaps in the patient’s mouth, the normal functions of the mouth, including eating and speaking, can be restored.

What is a Bridge?

Dental Bridge Porcelain Bridge in Cork

Porcelain Bridge

A bridge is a custom made porcelain tooth which is anchored to neighbouring tooth to replace a missing tooth/teeth.
This porcelain tooth is called a dental pontic and usually is fixed between two dental crowns on the neighbouring teeth either side, thus bridging them together holding firmly in place.

Dental Bridge Cronin Dental Cork
Bridges

Porcelain Bridge

A bridge is a custom made porcelain tooth which is anchored to neighbouring tooth to replace a missing tooth/teeth.
This porcelain tooth is called a dental pontic and usually is fixed between two dental crowns on the neighbouring teeth either side, thus bridging them together holding firmly in place.

What is a Bridge?

A Dental bridge is a special type of dental restoration appliance that helps to bridge gaps between teeth. These gaps can be caused by a number of things including missing teeth, or the natural space the patient is born with between their teeth. Commonly, a dental bridge will have a pontic (a prosthetic tooth) attached to it to replace a tooth that has come out for whatever reason.
By bridging these gaps in the patient’s mouth, the normal functions of the mouth, including eating and speaking, can be restored.

Dental Bridge Model Cronin Dental Cork
Dental Bridge Model at Cronin Dental Cork

Advantages of a Dental Bridge

  • Natural in appearance
  • Only two visits to the dentist
  • Good life period
  • Improve appearance, bite and speech
  • Simple & Straight-forward
  • More affordable than a dental implant

FAQ

When is a dental bridge needed?

Dental Bridges are recommended when there are one or more missing teeth that affect:

  • your appearance
  • your bite
  • your ability to chew
  • your speech
  • your dental health
Do i need to replace my missing tooth/teeth?

Yes, missing teeth must be replaced for many reasons;

  • To improve your appearance
  • To improve your ability to chew
  • To reduce the pressure on the teeth either side of the missing tooth
  • To prevent neighbouring teeth drifting/leaning into the space
What are the different types of dental bridges?
  1. Conventional dental bridge

This is the most common type of dental bridge and consists of a porcelain pontic fused between two porcelain crowns that are anchored on neighbouring teeth or dental implants.

2. Resin-bonded dental bridge

These are chosen when the gap to be filled is in between the front teeth, or smaller spaces when the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are healthy. The pontic tooth is made of is fixed to metal wings that are bonded to the neighbouring teeth hidden from view. Very conservative option.

  1. Cantilever dental bridge

These are opted for in areas such as the front teeth that are susceptible to lower stress, or smaller spaces. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth present on only one side of the space, where the false tooth is anchored to one adjacent tooth

What's involved?

First appointment:

The teeth on either side of the space are prepared by trimming away a small area under local anaesthetic and a dental impression is taken of the teeth, which will be used to make your dental bridge in the laboratory. The dentist will then help you select the right shade match for the dental bridge so it blends in with the natural shade of your own teeth.

Second appointment:

The temporary dental bridge is removed and the custom-made bridge is checked for its fit and appearance. Once you are happy, your dental bridge is cemented in place permanently, and treatment is completed.

How long do dental bridges last?

Dental bridges can last 10-15+ years or even longer, provided that you maintain good dental hygiene and eating habits.

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