Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed, artificial tooth supported by a neighbouring tooth. They are widely used to bridge the gap between teeth. If you have lost 1 or more teeth, a bridge is an effective way to restore your smile.
A bridge is similar to a crown, but it is made up of multiple joined up units and can replace several missing teeth.
The different types of dental bridges
There are 2 main types of dental bridges.
- Maryland bridges (adhesive)
- Conventional bridges
Maryland bridges can be an ideal solution to replace a single missing tooth as they can be long-lasting and require little or no drilling on the supporting tooth, which is of great advantage, particularly for younger patients. It can be an ideal solution where teeth are congenitally missing.
Conventional bridges rely on shaping the supporting teeth either side of the missing tooth gap. A conventional dental bridge appears as 2 or more dental crowns joined together.
Sycamore House Dental Practice’s experienced dentists will help you choose the best treatment solution for a missing tooth.
Benefits of dental bridges
A dental bridge offers a range of benefits for restoring and enhancing your smile by replacing missing teeth in an aesthetically pleasing way. Our experienced cosmetic dentists will be able to advise if you are a good candidate for this treatment modality.
Other options for replacing missing teeth
Dentures are removable and require a certain amount of gum coverage.
Dental Implants are fixed to your bone and unlike bridges, do not place stress on neighbouring teeth. They can be the most life-like way to replace a missing tooth.
The Procedure for getting a dental bridge at Sycamore Dental
Dental bridge consultation
At your first visit, your experienced dentist at Sycamore House will discuss your options to decide which treatment approach is suitable for you.
Shaping your teeth
The tooth is shaped under local anaesthetic, this is followed by impressions or a 3D digital scan of your teeth which typically takes about 60 minutes.
Your bridge being made in the laboratory
Bridges are custom made in a dental laboratory by skilled dental technicians.
Fitting your Bridge
The dentist the tooth and carefully fits your bridge. This procedure typically takes a few minutes. Once the bridge has been fitted, you can start using it as normal.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Rebuild your smile!
Contact our team to book your dental bridge consultation in Bury St Edmunds.
Dental Bridge FAQs
This depends on the strength of the supporting teeth and how well you are able to clean in between and under the bridge. It is not unusual for bridges to last around 10-15 years or longer. Like other dental work, bridges require daily brushing and flossing to reduce the risk of decay ad gum problems. Our experienced hygienists can help you look after your crowns and bridges, so they last as long as possible.
Cleaning under a dental bridge is important to maintain oral hygiene and prevent issues like plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. Since the bridge is fixed and doesn't allow access to the area beneath the false tooth (pontic), you need specific tools and techniques to clean effectively. Here’s how you can clean under a dental bridge:
Use a Super Floss or Floss Threader
Super floss and floss threaders help guide dental floss beneath the bridge.
Super Floss: This product has three parts — a stiff end to thread under the bridge, a spongy part for wider spaces, and regular floss for cleaning between teeth.
Floss Threader: A thin, flexible tool that helps you pass regular dental floss under the bridge.
How to care for your dental bridge:
Thread the floss under the bridge using the stiffened end (super floss) or the threader.
Once the floss is under the bridge, gently move it back and forth to clean under the pontic and between teeth.
Be sure to floss the surrounding teeth as well.
Use an interdental brush
An interdental brush is a small brush that fits between teeth and can help clean the sides of the bridge and under the pontic.
Choose a size that fits comfortably under the bridge without causing discomfort.
Gently insert the brush and move it back and forth to clean plaque and food particles.
Water flosser (Oral Irrigator)
A water flosser, like a Waterpik, is highly effective for cleaning under dental bridges. It uses a stream of water to flush out debris and bacteria.
Direct the water jet under the bridge and along the gum line to remove plaque and trapped food particles.
It’s particularly useful if you find flossing difficult.
