Replace Missing Teeth With Our Ontario Dentists

A dental bridge is an effective and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring both the function and appearance of your smile. Whether you’ve lost one or more teeth, a dental bridge can fill the gap, preventing surrounding teeth from shifting and maintaining the structure of your mouth. Our experienced team is committed to providing you with a comfortable, personalized experience, ensuring a lasting, beautiful result.

To speak with our Ontario dentist, contact our Fort Erie dental office at 905-871-2903 or our Ridgeway dental office at 905-894-5555.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is a prosthetic appliance that is anchored to the surrounding teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap, restoring both the function and appearance of teeth. A dental bridge can be made of various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal. By filling the gap in your smile, a dental bridge helps maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth and supports proper oral function.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four main types of dental bridges:

1. Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most common type of dental bridge. It consists of a false tooth or teeth held in place by dental crowns cemented onto each of the abutment teeth. Traditional dental bridges are ideal when there are natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by the missing tooth.
2. Cantilever Dental Bridge: Similar to a traditional bridge, a cantilever dental bridge has the pontic held in place by a dental crown cemented to only one abutment tooth. This type is used when there is only one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap.
3. Maryland Dental Bridge: This type of bridge uses a framework of either metal or porcelain bonded onto the backs of the abutment teeth. It employs two natural abutment teeth, one on each side of the gap, and is often used for front teeth.
4. Implant-Supported Dental Bridge: Instead of being supported by crowns or frameworks, an implant-supported bridge uses dental implants. Typically, one implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position, providing a stable and durable solution.

Dental Bridge vs Implant

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you might wonder whether to choose a dental bridge or a dental implant. A dental bridge sits atop the gums and is anchored to crowns on its neighboring teeth, making it a quicker and often less expensive option. On the other hand, a dental implant involves mounting a prosthetic tooth on a screw attached to the jawbone, offering a more natural look and longer-lasting solution. While bridges are generally faster to complete and may be covered by insurance, implants tend to be more durable and require less maintenance over time.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Appearance: They restore the natural look of your smile by filling in gaps caused by missing teeth.
• Enhanced Chewing and Speaking Abilities: By replacing missing teeth, dental bridges help you chew food more effectively and speak more clearly.
• Increased Confidence: A complete smile can boost your self-esteem and confidence in social and professional settings.
• Preservation of Surrounding Teeth: Dental bridges prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, maintaining the alignment and structure of your mouth.

How the Dental Bridge Procedure Works

Dental bridges are an effective solution for people who have missing teeth. They’re used to bridge the gap between teeth by anchoring a false tooth (pontic) to the surrounding natural teeth (abutments). Impressions are made during the dental procedure and sent to a dental laboratory to ensure the prosthetics closely match the natural teeth in color for aesthetic reasons. The dental bridge process involves several steps, including consultation and evaluation, preparing the abutment teeth and placing a temporary bridge, fitting and placement, and a follow-up appointment. Only a dentist can remove a fixed or permanent dental bridge.

Components of a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge consists of the following components:

1. Pontic: This is the term for the artificial teeth, or tooth, that replace the missing natural teeth. Pontics can be made from various materials including porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of these materials.
2. Abutment Teeth: These are the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. They serve as support for the bridge. If natural teeth are used, they’re often reduced in size to accommodate the bridge.
3. Retainers or Dental Crowns: These are fixed onto the abutment teeth and hold the pontic in place. They can be made of similar materials as the pontics. Depending on the design of the bridge, these can be full crowns that cover the entire abutment tooth or partial coverage like inlays or onlays.
4. Connectors: These are the parts that connect the pontic to the retainers or crowns. They can be rigid (as in conventional bridges) or non-rigid (as in some types of removable bridges).
5. Framework: In some bridges, there’s a metal or porcelain framework that provides additional strength and support.

The Dental Bridge Process

Consultation and Evaluation

The first step in the dental bridge process is a consultation with our Fort Erie and Ridgeway dentists. During this appointment, a dental professional will evaluate your oral health, including your teeth and gums, and discuss your options for replacing missing teeth. They may also take digital X-rays and impressions of your existing teeth, to create a model of your mouth, ensuring your custom bridge is a perfect fit.

At this appointment, they’ll also recommend the best dental bridge type. They may recommend a traditional dental bridge, implant-supported bridges, or another option.

Preparing Abutment Teeth and Placing a Temporary Bridge

Once our dentist has determined that a dental bridge is the right option for you, they’ll prepare the abutment teeth. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from the teeth that will support the bridge. The impressions taken are then sent to a dental laboratory to create the permanent bridge. Our Fort Erie and Ridgeway dental teams will then take another impression of your teeth to create a mold of your mouth which will be used to create your permanent bridge.

While your permanent bridge is being made, we’ll place a temporary dental bridge to protect your abutment teeth and help you eat and speak normally while waiting for your permanent restoration to be created.

Fitting and Placement

Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to our Fort Erie and Ridgeway dental offices for the fitting and placement appointment. During this appointment, a dental professional will remove the temporary bridge and fit the permanent bridge to your abutment teeth. They’ll then make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. With dental cement, it will be set into place.

Follow-up Appointment

After your bridge has been placed, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that everything is healing properly. During this appointment, a dental professional will check the fit of your bridge and make any necessary adjustments. They’ll also provide you with instructions on how to care for your new bridge to ensure its longevity.

Post-Procedure Care

After your dental bridge procedure, there are certain practices that you’ll need to follow, including:

• Oral Hygiene Habits: Keeping the remaining teeth healthy and strong is crucial for the longevity of the dental bridge. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential.
• Dietary Adjustments: Initially, you’ll want to stick with eating soft foods and avoid anything that could put undue pressure on the new bridge.
• Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist can ensure the bridge remains intact and the adjacent teeth remain healthy.

Maintaining your new dental bridge for durability is important, and addressing any issues with a previously fitted bridge can help ensure long-term success.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

The lifespan of a dental bridge typically ranges between five and seven years, but with proper care, some bridges can last over a decade. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are crucial to prevent gum disease or tooth decay around the bridge. If a bridge becomes loose or damaged, it can often be removed and re-cemented by a dentist. However, if it breaks, a new bridge may be necessary to restore your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any potential risks or complications associated with getting a dental bridge?

While dental bridges are generally safe and well-tolerated, some potential risks and complications may include sensitivity, discomfort, or gum irritation after the procedure. In rare cases, there may be an allergic reaction to the materials used in the bridge. Patients must follow their dentist’s aftercare instructions to minimize any potential issues.

Will the dental bridge procedure be painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the dental bridge procedure. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the teeth being treated, ensuring the patient is comfortable throughout the process. After the procedure, there may be slight soreness or sensitivity, which usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help manage any post-procedure discomfort. 

Replace Your Missing Teeth With a Dental Bridge in Fort Erie and Ridgeway, ON!

A dental bridge can significantly improve both the function and aesthetics of your smile, helping you feel more confident and comfortable. With our expert care and personalized approach, you can enjoy long-lasting results and improved oral health.

To get started, contact one of our Ontario dental offices today. For an appointment in Fort Erie, call 905-871-2903. For Ridgeway, call 905-894-5555. Let our dentist help you overcome your dental fear and achieve a healthier, stress-free smile!