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Dental Bridges

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Rebuild your smile with a natural-looking dental bridge

Missing teeth can affect your smile, speech, and even your ability to chew comfortably. At Shine Dental Clinic, we offer aesthetic dental bridges to restore your complete smile and oral health. They use the teeth on either side of the gap as support for a custom-made replacement tooth that fits seamlessly into your smile.

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Why have a dental bridge?

There are several reasons to choose a dental bridge:

  • Fill gaps left by missing teeth
  • Enhance the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence
  • Improve the way you eat and speak
  • Prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position and causing alignment issues
  • Provide support and protection for your otherwise vulnerable gums
  • A fixed solution, more comfortable and secure than a partial denture

What does the treatment involve?

We first make sure that the teeth that will support the bridge are healthy and strong. They are then prepared by removing a layer of enamel.

We take impressions of the prepared teeth. These are sent to the dental laboratory. While your bridge is custom-made, we provide you with a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth.

When ready, we check your bridge, making sure it fits perfectly and making small adjustments if necessary. Your bridge is finally fixed in place with strong dental cement.

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Types of dental bridges at Shine Dental Clinic

Fixed bridges

These have been around for many years and can have a good success rate. The replacement tooth can either be supported by one or two surrounding teeth. Fixed bridges can be quite destructive as they involve some removal of natural tooth structure.

Maryland bridges

This option provides us with a fixed option to replace a missing tooth. The replacement tooth is supported by a metal wing which is bonded to an adjacent tooth. Maryland bridges are often used to replace missing front teeth.

The longevity of a dental bridge varies depending on its type. While traditional fixed bridges offer a long-lasting solution, Maryland bridges may have a shorter lifespan. We offer a variety of bridge options, including coping, hybrid, and cantilever designs. The most suitable type for you will depend on your specific needs and dental health.

Frequently asked questions

How do I look after my bridge?

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 special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.

Are bridges expensive?

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.

How long do dental bridges last?

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 over ten years.

Are there any alternatives to bridges for replacing missing teeth?

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 more expensive. Bridges can be used in combination with implants to replace more than one missing tooth.

Can I eat normally with a bridge?

Yes, bridges allow for normal eating and chewing once they are fully healed and settled in your mouth.

Appointments 01420 550 616