What is a Dental Bridge and How Does it Work in the Gold Coast?

If your teeth are decayed, damaged or missing, there are a range of options available to help you restore a healthy, bright smile. Dental bridges are a way to bridge or close the gaps in your smile if you have one or several missing teeth. Dental bridges are a type of false tooth called pontics, which can be made from porcelain, gold, alloys or a combination of these materials. The Dental Boutique discuss what a dental bridge is and how they work, for all of our clients on the Gold Coast.

Benefits of a Dental Bridge

When you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, it can affect you in a number of ways. A dental bridge can address those changes, including:

• Restoring the ability to chew properly
• Restoring your speech and pronunciation
• Properly distributing bite force consistently when you chew
• Maintaining the shape of your face
• Preventing your remaining teeth from drifting out of the correct position

As long as you practice good dental hygiene, they will over 10 years. If your bridge is supported by existing natural teeth, it is essential to keep your remaining teeth healthy. The success of the bridge depends on the foundation offered by the surrounding teeth.

Dental Bridge Varieties

A dental bridge is typically supported by implants or crowns fitted over existing natural teeth either side of the gap. Traditional dental bridges simply consist of a false tooth or teeth (pontic) that are held in place by dental implants or crowns. A traditional dental bridge can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth. Other options include:

• Cantilever dental bridges: similar to a traditional bridge except the pontic is held in place by a single dental crown. This makes it one of the simplest solutions as you only need one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap to support the bridge.
• Maryland bonded dental bridge: where the pontic is held using a framework of either metal or porcelain, that is then bonded onto the backs of the teeth adjacent to the gaps rather than using crowns, making the process simpler and faster.
• Implant-supported dental bridge: involves using dental implants to support the bridge instead of crowns or frameworks.

The best type of dental bridge for you will depend on various factors, such as your current oral health, which teeth are missing, how many teeth are missing and your preference. Your dentist will assess your unique circumstances and recommend the best solution.

Get a Dental Bridge at Our Gold Coast Clinic

Wondering if a dental bridge is right for you? Choose the experienced and caring team at The Dental Boutique, and we will use our advanced technology and uncompromising commitment to develop a dental treatment solution that strengthens and enhances your smile. Contact our team today or make an appointment online.