A dental bridge, also known as pontic, essentially bridges a gap in your mouth. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns that fit to teeth on one or both sides of the gap, which serves as anchors, along with a false tooth in-between. Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, typically they're made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth.
A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth and can be a good treatment solution if you do not have many missing teeth. It is important to replace missing teeth to prevent your remaining teeth from moving into the empty spaces and repair the appearance of your smile.
Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base. If the bridge will show, porcelain is then bonded to the base.
Dental bridges offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dental implants, bridges can replace missing teeth without clinic. With porcelain finishes available, your new tooth could be almost indistinguishable from the natural teeth surrounding it.
Having a dental bridge can boost your confidence in your smile and make day to day activities such as eating and talking easier. Replacing a missing tooth can also help protect your remaining teeth. When you have gaps, remaining teeth may tilt or move into the space, affecting the way you bite. Food can also get trapped in spaces, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
To create the bridge, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. This involves creating a plaster mould of your teeth and gums, so the bridge can be made to fit your mouth as closely as possible. At this stage, your dentist will also determine the right shade for your bridge, so it matches your natural teeth.
The bridge is then custom-made by a specialised lab technician according to the dentist’s instructions. Your dentist can fit a temporary solution, such as a plastic bridge or crown, while you're waiting for your bespoke bridge to be made.
Once it's ready, your dentist will fit your new bridge. You will be given a local anaesthetic injection before the procedure begins, which will block any pain from your gums, but you will stay awake during the procedure. Your dentist will ensure the fit is comfortable by checking that you bite correctly with the bridge in place.
After the placement of your dental bridge, you might experience some temporarily soreness from the gum or perhaps slight sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
Bridges are permanently fixed in place, so you don’t remove them for cleaning. To keep your natural teeth healthy, you need to clean the gap under a bridge with a special dental floss. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to floss under your bridge. To prevent damage, it’s best to avoid chewing hard foods and ice. By taking good care of your bridge, it can last for many years.
| Treatment | Private and on the NHS when clinically necessary |
|---|---|
| Consultation | Free 10 min consultation |
For more information about this treatment, or what other options are available, please contact Jo, our treatment coordinator, on 01625 523 13401625 523 134 or email us.
