A bridge is commonly used to replace a missing tooth. It is a one-piece unit mounted with an artificial tooth, which is secured to stable teeth on either side of the empty space.
Bridges are dental appliances that are cemented in place – unlike dental implants, which are a surgical solution for missing teeth. They rely on the strength of nearby teeth for support, and if that support isn’t available, partial dentures may be another solution.
A bridge has three key parts: a porcelain artificial tooth (or teeth) and two crowns, one for each tooth on either side of the gap. The crowns cover the support teeth – they act like posts – and the artificial tooth fills the gap between them.
A dental bridge can restore your natural smile and preserve your bite
If you have a missing tooth, it’s important to fill the empty space so that your existing teeth don’t shift and drift into the gap, affecting your smile and your bite. A full set of teeth also makes it easier to bite into and chew your food.
What is involved in getting a dental bridge?
Getting a bridge requires two appointments:
- At your first appointment, we shape your two support teeth all the way around to make room for their crowns. Then, we make a mold of each tooth and the gap, and send it to our dental lab so that they can make the custom-fitted crowns and artificial tooth. We use a shade guide to ensure that the bridge will match the colour of your existing teeth. Before you go home, we fit you with a temporary bridge that covers and protects the “anchor” teeth and fills in the gap.
- At your second appointment, we gently remove your temporary bridge and crowns and replace them with the new ones. If everything fits well and looks good, we cement it in place.
Thinking about replacing missing or damaged teeth? We can discuss all of your options and help you make the choice that’s right for you.