Replacing missing teeth is greatly in the interests of your physical and emotional health.
Dental bridges are one of the most popular ways of doing so, giving you back your ability to eat the foods you love best and to smile with full confidence.
Bridges have been used as a means of tooth replacement for many years, and here at Ascot Dental Suite, our talented team creates beautiful custom-made bridges, from only the most high-quality and durable materials.
What is a bridge?
A dental bridge permanently fixes false teeth to natural teeth and can either be connected to the surface of those teeth, or to a crown. The most common materials used for bridges and crowns are porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, gold and acrylic.
Who are bridges for?
Dental bridges are for those who have one or more missing teeth. At Ascot Dental Suite, we can’t stress how important it is to replace missing teeth at the earliest opportunity, as there is a myriad of problems associated with untreated tooth loss, including jawbone loss, increased risk of decay and gum disease, and loss of confidence and wellbeing. In replacing missing teeth, you’re making an incredibly worthwhile investment into your future health and happiness.
Why choose a bridge?
When we create your bridge, we craft it with you in mind. The crowns will be made to be in keeping with the size, shape and shade of your existing teeth, achieving a naturally beautiful result.
Unlike dentures, a bridge is fixed in place, so you won’t have to worry about it slipping when you eat and speak. Meanwhile, a bridge helps to maintain normal facial structure and stops your existing teeth from shifting out of position into vacant areas.
Stages of treatment
Initial consultation
- Collection of diagnostic information such as X-rays, photographs and dental impressions. We use computer imaging to establish a picture of your dental health and how your teeth bite together.
- Discussion about your expectations of treatment and how we can meet your needs.
- Outline all the tooth replacement options we have on offer to help you make an informed choice.
Smile design and preparation
- Preparation of the teeth to accommodate temporary crowns whilst your permanent crowns are created.
- Placement of a temporary bridge to protect your teeth until your bridge is permanently secured in position.
Fitting and final touches
- During a second appointment, your temporary crowns and bridge are removed.
- Your new bridge is cemented in position.
FAQ
Is treatment painful?
An anaesthetic will be used to numb the area during the treatment process, so you will not feel anything as your dentist works to prepare your teeth to accommodate a bridge. You may feel some discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off, though this can be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers.
Aftercare?
A dental bridge can last for more than a decade, thanks to advances in materials and treatment techniques. The care you afford your bridge will also have an impact on its durability. We will show you how to carefully floss and brush around your bridge, and advise on the type of foods to avoid and limit once your treatment is complete.
How long is the recovery time?
Most patients acclimatise to their new bridge after around 2 weeks.
When will I see the result?
You will be able to enjoy your beautiful and newly restored smile as soon as your permanent crowns and bridge are fitted permanently in place.
Will it damage my natural teeth?
Our dentists are highly skilled and experienced in preparing and placing crowns and bridges, and work with diligence and care. A small amount of tooth enamel will be removed to accommodate your crowns, but this will not affect the health of your smile – in fact, this is in the interests of your future oral health.
For more information regarding this treatment
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