Whether you have lost a tooth through an accident or if it has been extracted, bridges can fill in gaps in your smile. They use the healthy teeth either side of the gap as support, with a natural looking replacement tooth securely fixed in between. Bridges are usually made of tooth coloured porcelain material bonded to metal, but composite, all-metal or all-porcelain can also be used.
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We first make sure that the teeth that will support the bridge are healthy and strong. They are then prepared through removing a layer of enamel to accommodate the crown that will be fixed into place.
Where possible, we take digital scans and images of your prepared teeth. These are sent to the dental laboratory so your bridge can be custom made. We provide you with a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth between appointments.
When ready, your bridge is checked and adjusted to make sure it fits perfectly and feels comfortable in your mouth. We then fix it into place with strong dental cement.
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You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.
Although a bridge may seem costly it can be a wise investment that will give many years of good service. It will also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician, and in this way, it’s similar to ordering a piece of hand-made jewellery.
If bridges are well looked after, and that includes keeping the surrounding teeth healthy so they can continue to provide a solid foundation, they should last for many years.
The main alternatives to bridges for replacing missing teeth are partial dentures and dental implants. Bridges are seen as a more secure alternative to partial dentures, as they are fixed into place and will not move or slip. Implants are seen as superior in durability and aesthetics, but are not suitable for everyone. Bridges can be used in combination with implants to replace more than one missing tooth.
01273 452 947
info@shorehamdentist.co.uk
The Dental Practice
Mariner Point,
81 Brighton Road,
Shoreham-by-Sea,
West Sussex,
BN43 6DG
Areas we serve: Shoreham, Worthing, Steyning and surrounding areas
We are wheelchair accessible and have car parking spaces on site.
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