Losing a tooth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. Depending on which tooth is missing, it may also influence your ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly and maintain the position of neighbouring teeth.
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several options for replacing missing teeth.
One option is a dental bridge, a fixed restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth.
At CQ Dental Studio in Rockhampton, we offer restorative dental treatments, including dental bridges, and can help patients understand the options available for restoring missing teeth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap left behind.
A conventional bridge generally consists of:
- One or more artificial replacement teeth, called pontics
- Supporting crowns or retainers attached to neighbouring teeth
The bridge is designed to restore appearance and function while remaining fixed in the mouth.
Unlike a removable partial denture, a conventional dental bridge isn’t removed for everyday cleaning.
When Might a Dental Bridge Be Recommended?
A dental bridge may be considered when:
- One or more teeth are missing
- Neighbouring teeth can provide suitable support
- A patient prefers a fixed restoration
- Dental implants aren’t suitable or aren’t preferred
- Existing neighbouring teeth may already require crowns
The most appropriate treatment depends on your oral health, bite, remaining teeth and personal preferences.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?
Not all dental bridges are designed the same way.
1. Conventional Dental Bridges
A traditional bridge uses supporting crowns on teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
These teeth are prepared to accommodate the crowns, which support the replacement tooth between them.
2. Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge is supported from one side of the missing tooth rather than both sides.
This design is only appropriate in selected circumstances because of the forces placed on the supporting tooth or teeth.
3. Resin-Bonded Bridges
Sometimes called Maryland bridges, these use wings or retainers bonded to neighbouring teeth.
They may allow more conservative preparation in suitable cases, although they aren’t appropriate for every location or bite.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges
Where several teeth are missing, a bridge may sometimes be supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth.
This requires separate implant assessment and treatment planning.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?
For suitable patients, dental bridges offer several potential advantages.
1. Fixed Tooth Replacement
A conventional bridge remains attached to the supporting teeth and doesn’t need to be removed daily.
2. Improved Chewing Function
Replacing a missing tooth may improve the ability to chew, depending on the location of the gap and the condition of the remaining teeth.
3. Restoring Appearance
A bridge can replace visible missing teeth and be designed to complement surrounding teeth.
4. Supporting Tooth Position
Replacing missing teeth may help limit unwanted movement of neighbouring teeth in some situations.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Dental Bridges?
Like all dental treatments, bridges have limitations and risks.
For example:
- Conventional bridges require preparation of supporting teeth
- Decay can develop around the margins of supporting crowns
- Supporting teeth may develop complications
- Bridges require careful cleaning underneath the replacement tooth
- Bridges may loosen, fracture or require replacement over time
A bridge also doesn’t replace the natural tooth root, so it doesn’t prevent all changes to the jawbone following tooth loss.
Your dentist should explain the benefits, risks and alternatives before treatment.
How Are Dental Bridges Made?
The process depends on the type of bridge and the individual clinical situation.
Step 1: Consultation and Assessment
We examine the remaining teeth, gums and bite to determine whether a bridge is appropriate.
Dental X-rays may be required to assess the supporting teeth and surrounding structures.
Step 2: Preparing the Supporting Teeth
For a conventional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared to accommodate the restoration.
Step 3: Digital Scanning
At CQ Dental Studio, digital scanning technology can be used for suitable restorative cases.
This allows us to obtain detailed digital impressions for designing the restoration.
Step 4: Manufacturing the Bridge
The bridge is manufactured using an appropriate restorative material.
At CQ Dental Studio, we have in-house milling technology for selected restorations, including zirconia bridges. Some cases may require additional laboratory stages or appointments.
Step 5: Fitting and Adjustments
The bridge is checked for fit, bite and appearance before final placement.
What Materials Are Dental Bridges Made From?
Dental bridges can be manufactured using several materials, including:
- Zirconia
- Ceramic
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Metal alloys
The most appropriate material depends on the location of the missing tooth, available space, bite forces and aesthetic requirements.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
A dental bridge can function for many years, but no restoration lasts indefinitely.
Its longevity depends on several factors:
- The health of the supporting teeth
- Gum health
- Oral hygiene
- Bite forces
- Teeth grinding
- The bridge design and material
- Regular dental maintenance
Over time, some bridges may require repair or replacement.
How Do You Clean Under a Dental Bridge?
Cleaning around a bridge is especially important because food and plaque can collect underneath the artificial tooth.
Your dental team may recommend:
- Super floss
- Floss threaders
- Interdental brushes
- Other cleaning aids suited to your bridge design
You should also continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Maintaining healthy supporting teeth and gums is essential for the long-term success of a dental bridge.
Dental Bridge vs Dental Implant: What’s the Difference?
Both treatments can replace missing teeth, but they work differently.
A conventional bridge is supported by neighbouring teeth, while a dental implant is placed into the jawbone to support a restoration.
A bridge may be appropriate where adjacent teeth already need crowns or where implant treatment isn’t suitable.
An implant may avoid the need to prepare healthy adjacent teeth, but involves surgery and requires suitable bone and other clinical considerations.
Neither treatment is automatically the best option for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Local anaesthetic is generally used when preparing supporting teeth. Some temporary sensitivity or discomfort may occur after treatment.
2. Can a bridge replace more than one tooth?
Yes, in selected circumstances. Suitability depends on the number and position of missing teeth and the available support.
3. Can a dental bridge be repaired?
Some problems can be repaired, while others require the bridge to be replaced. An examination is needed to determine the appropriate option.
4. Is a dental bridge removable?
A conventional fixed bridge is not designed to be removed by the patient. Removable partial dentures are a different type of restoration.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Many patients can return to a broad range of foods after their bridge is fitted. Your dentist may recommend precautions depending on the restoration and supporting teeth.
Considering a Dental Bridge in Rockhampton?
If you’re missing one or more teeth, understanding your replacement options is an important first step.
At CQ Dental Studio, we can assess your oral health, discuss fixed and removable tooth replacement options and explain whether a dental bridge may be appropriate for you.
Our aim is to recommend a restoration that considers appearance, function, maintainability and long-term oral health.
Contact CQ Dental Studio in Rockhampton to arrange a consultation and discuss your missing tooth replacement options.
