Dental Bridges Edmonton

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a common and effective solution for restoring missing teeth. These dental appliances literally bridge the gap created by one missing tooth or more, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. Dental bridges offer a reliable method for achieving a complete smile and improved oral function.

Dental bridges consist of two main components: the abutment teeth and the pontic(s).

Abutment Teeth

The abutment teeth are healthy natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap, which serve as anchor points for the bridge.

These anchor teeth are prepared by reshaping them to accommodate dental crowns or caps that will act as support for the bridge.

Pontic(s)

The pontic(s) are the artificial tooth/teeth that fill in the space left by missing teeth. They are custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless integration into your smile.

Different materials can be used for pontics, including porcelain fused to metal (PFM), all-ceramic (such as zirconia), or even gold alloys for specific cases.

dental bridge Procedure

Tooth preparation: During the initial visit, local anesthesia is administered for patient comfort. The dentist will then prepare the tooth or teeth.

Impression: A digital scan and an impression is taken of the tooth surroundings.

Temporary bridge: A temporary crown or bridge will be placed over a prepared tooth for protection until a permanent crown is crafted.

Bridge fabrication: The digital scan that was taken to measure your teeth size is sent to the laboratory to prepare your customized permanent crown or permanent bridge. This may take a week.

Placement of a bridge: Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll visit the clinic where the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent one to ensure it fits accurately and matches the colour of your surrounding teeth.

Cementing: On your second visit, the permanent new crown or bridge is cemented or bonded in place using dental cement.

Final Adjustments: The dentist will make any required final adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite and a normal appearance.

Polishing: The excess cement will be removed and the tooth will be polished.

Post-care: You may feel some discomfort after the procedure but it will fade. The dentist will give you instructions to follow. Patients are advised to maintain their 6 month regular dental hygiene routine, though this may vary based on individual periodontal health and guidance from our dentist and dental hygienist.

The 4 main types of dental bridges

Dental bridges are dental prosthetics used to replace missing teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, and they can be broadly categorized into four major types:

Traditional Dental Bridges:

Traditional dental bridges are the most common type, consisting of one or more pontic (artificial) teeth held in place by dental crowns attached.

The crowns are placed on the surrounding natural teeth, called abutments, on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth or multiple teeth.

Traditional dental bridges are effective when strong, healthy teeth are adjacent to the gap to support the crowns.

Cantilever Dental Bridges:

Cantilever dental bridges are similar to traditional bridges but are supported by an abutment tooth on only one side of the gap.

This type of bridge is used when there is only one natural tooth next to the missing tooth, making it unsuitable for traditional bridges.

While cantilever bridges can be a solution in certain cases, they may exert more force on the supporting tooth.

Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Dental Bridges:

Maryland dental bridges consist of a pontic tooth held in place by a metal or porcelain framework.

Instead of using dental crowns, Maryland dental bridges rely on metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent natural teeth for support.

This type of bridge is often used when the adjacent teeth are healthy and strong, and minimal alteration of the supporting teeth is desired.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges:

Implant-supported dental bridges are secured in place by dental implants rather than natural teeth.

Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots, and the bridge is then attached to the implants.

This type of bridge is a durable and stable solution, especially when multiple adjacent teeth are missing, as it doesn’t rely on natural teeth for support.

Each type of dental bridges has its own advantages and considerations. The choice of which type to use depends on factors such as the location of the missing teeth, the overall oral health of the patient, and the preferences of the dentist and patient. It’s important to consult with a qualified dental professional to determine the most appropriate type of dental bridge for individual cases.

Signs you need dental bridge services

Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth and can be recommended in various situations. Here are some common scenarios when dental bridges may be necessary:

Missing Teeth:
The most common reason for getting a dental bridge is to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge fills the gap left by the missing teeth and helps restore the functionality and appearance of the mouth.

Chewing Difficulties: Missing teeth can make it challenging to chew food properly. A dental bridge can improve the ability to bite and chew, making it easier to enjoy a normal diet.

Speech Issues: Gaps in the teeth can affect speech, leading to difficulties in pronouncing certain words or sounds. A dental bridge can help improve speech clarity by filling in the spaces caused by missing teeth.

Maintaining Facial Shape: Teeth play a role in supporting the facial structure. When teeth are missing, it can lead to changes in the shape of the face, causing the cheeks to sink in. Dental bridges can help maintain the natural contour of the face.

Preventing Shifting of Teeth: When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth may start to shift into the empty space, affecting the alignment of the remaining teeth. A dental bridge can prevent this shift and maintain proper tooth alignment.

Improving Appearance: Beyond the functional aspects, dental bridges contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing smile. They are designed to match the colour, shape, and size of natural teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of the mouth and gums.

Dental Restoration After Extraction: In some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted due to decay, infection, or other dental issues. A dental bridge procedure can be used to replace the extracted tooth and restore the functionality of the affected area.

It’s important to consult with a dentist to determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific situation. Dental bridges are one of several options for replacing missing teeth, and the choice may depend on factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of surrounding teeth, and overall oral health.

Dental Bridge Services In Edmonton

Dental crowns and dental bridges in Edmonton effectively protect damaged teeth, providing both functional and attractive benefits. Low-cost dental implants may offer a cost-effective solution to restore your smile.

If you are in need of a dental bridge procedure, Clean Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic welcomes you to experience our top-notch services. Our skilled team at Clean Smiles will examine your oral health and suggest the best affordable dental crowns and dental bridges. We follow the Alberta Fee Guide to provide dental service.