Bridges

Tooth loss has consequences that are not only cosmetic. Over time, your ability to speak clearly and chew your food can become impaired, and gum disease or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complications may set in. The teeth on either side of the gap may even begin to shift into it, causing pain and potentially a misaligned bite.

At Ivory Dental we can fill the gap by fitting you with a dental bridge. These restorative appliances are typically bonded to or cover the neighbouring teeth, which are capped with crowns. A replacement tooth is then attached to the crowned teeth, resulting in a ‘bridge’.

There are different types of dental bridges, each made of different materials and / or intended for a certain location or purpose. The most common ones are:

• Conventional bridges: These mainstream bridges, which are supported by the surrounding teeth, can be made of tooth-coloured materials for a more attractive appearance.
• Resin-attached bridges: These are used to replace a single front tooth, these bridges are sometimes anchored to a neighbouring tooth using a resin-coated flap or ‘wing’, however do not always need the neighbouring teeth to be altered.
• Implant bridges: These bridges restore missing teeth using dental implants.

You will need to visit us twice to be fitted with a conventional bridge. At the first appointment, we take an impression of your mouth and shape the teeth around the gap to support crowns. You will also be fitted with a temporary bridge to protect your teeth. Once the crowns and replacement tooth come back from the dental laboratory, we will call you back in to fit your new bridge.

Once your bridge has been fitted, it is important to maintain high levels of oral hygiene. Ivory Dental will support your success and well-being by providing detailed instructions on how to care for your new bridge and the surrounding teeth. We will not only restore your smile, we will also help you enjoy it for life.