Dental Bridges in Brighton, Queensland
Over the years, most of us have lost a tooth or two due to an accident or extraction. Even in the USA, a nation famed for its glowing smiles, research shows that seven in ten people have lost at least one permanent tooth by age 40.
Leaving a gap where the missing tooth used to be is inadvisable. It does nothing for your smile, but even if it is a back tooth and the gap is not obviously visible, the surrounding teeth will shift to fill the gap. This can loosen them and can also affect the alignment of your bite.
Having a dental bridge fitted is one of the most popular ways to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth.
Teeth Bridges – How They Work
A fixed bridge consists of a crown that replaces the missing tooth, joined to two other crowns, one on either side, fitted to the neighbouring teeth. It is a less invasive procedure than fitting an implant but is more permanent than a denture.
If two or even three teeth are missing, the bridge can be made longer using additional crowns.
Benefits of Dental Bridges in Brisbane
It’s not just Americans who care about their appearances; we are proud of our pearly white smiles in Brisbane, too. The psychological benefits of having a complete set of teeth to smile with should not be underestimated, as it can have a significant impact on self-confidence, which affects both our personal and professional lives.
But the benefits of getting a bridge for teeth run deeper. When you are missing one or more of your teeth, it changes the forces and distribution of your bite when eating. As well as causing problems with chewing food effectively, it will lead to teeth drifting into the vacant space, exacerbating the misalignment and creating more gaps. Ultimately, it can even make pronouncing certain sounds or words difficult.
A dental bridge prevents any of these problems from having a chance to occur, keeping everything aligned. It also ensures you’ll feel confident flashing that smile under any circumstances.
What Types of Dental Bridges are Available?
Your dental bridge dentist can fit three types of tooth bridge, and choosing the most appropriate one depends on your specific circumstances.
Traditional Crown Bridge
This is the type of bridge we have already discussed. It is the most common type of bridge and with good reason. It provides excellent, long-lasting results without the need for invasive surgery. There is only one potential issue with a crown bridge. It relies on you having a solid tooth on each side of the gap, to which the supporting crowns can be fitted. If you don’t, or if their condition is dubious, you might need to consider one of the alternatives.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
It sounds like some miracle of modern engineering, and that’s what it is in many ways. Essentially, a cantilever bridge works on the same principle as the crown bridge but is only attached to one side. A cantilever bridge is an acceptable alternative to a crown bridge for front teeth but is not solid enough to be used with back teeth.
Maryland Bridge
Named after the University of Maryland, where it was first designed, a Maryland bridge uses a plastic tooth to fill the gap, and this is bonded to the adjacent teeth by way of a metal frame instead of using dental crowns. The advantage is that it is quicker and easier to fit than a crown bridge. The downside to this type of bridge is that it is not as sturdy or long-lasting as a crown bridge. Also, the plastic tooth tends to discolour over time
Other Options – Instead of Dental Bridges
A tooth bridge is a popular solution to the problem of filling the gap left by one or more missing teeth, and if that is what you choose to get, our dental clinic for dental bridges can help. However, we will also run through the other options for filling that gap to ensure you are comfortable making the right choice. There are two different ways you can go, with either a fixed or removable approach.
A fixed solution is to have implants fitted. An implant is an artificial tooth and root attached to the bone. This is the ideal solution, as it will be even sturdier and longer lasting than natural teeth. However, the process takes longer, involves some quite invasive procedures and is more expensive than a teeth bridge. Veneers in this situation will not work, as you have a gap I your teeth, and they will be needed to stick to an existing tooth.
A removable approach means some sort of denture. This is faster, less costly and completely non-invasive. However, even the best dentures can take some time and are less effective or secure than the more permanent options.
As with forms of aesthetic dentistry, you, as the patient, will need to know what is involved, the risks of an operation, and the benefits provided the operation is fully successful. Only then can you make an informed decision.
Are you ready to get started? Crowns are an ideal solution to complete your smile, call us today to discuss your conditions and required treatment. Same-day and late opening hours are available to keep your time with us convenient for you. Do you have dental cover? Your rebate can be claimed on the spot with HICAPS. We are a preferred provider for Medibank, HCF and MDF.
* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
Common Questions & Answers Related to Dental Bridges
Are dental bridges better than implants?
It is impossible to say that one option is exactly “better” than the other. Each has pros and cons, but in short, a crown bridge works by fitting crowns to the two teeth on each side of the gap. If they are in perfect condition and you don’t mind waiting a bit longer, paying a bit more and sitting through a more intrusive process, you might prefer the long-term benefits of implants.
What does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type of design and the number of teeth involved. At Brighton Dental Suite, a dental bridge starts from $2000.
How long does a dental bridge last?
A crown bridge will last, on average, 10 to 15 years. Maintaining good dental hygiene with regular brushing, flossing and visits for a check-up will help increase the life span of your bridge.
Is a dental bridge painful?
No, you won’t feel a thing. The paring of the surrounding teeth is the only part of the process that is even vaguely intrusive, and you will be given a local anaesthetic there. Any lingering soreness or sensitivity should disappear within hours, and you can always take a couple of OTC painkillers.