What is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge – or a ‘fixed partial denture’ as they are sometimes known – is a dental device that is used in the industry to replace missing or broken teeth, they work by anchoring a synthetic tooth into the space, giving the appearance of a full, natural smile. Bridges are normally permanently fixed to the neighbouring teeth, and can be bonded to dental implants as well as natural teeth. There are lots of different kinds of bridges, mainly because there are designed to deal with the personal circumstances of the patient, so they have to be manufactured in a very specific way, for example; the anchoring teeth don’t always have to be directly next to the vacated area, bridges can be made to fit across the palate and attach to the adjacent teeth. It’s important that the patient has a healthy mouth before they are fitted with a bridge, otherwise problems can arise involving functionality and hygiene.

How strong is a dental bridge?

Because they are designed to withstand the wear and tear of everyday chewing, bridges have to be made using highly durable material. Most bridges are made using very hard wearing acrylic resin, sometimes with metal clasps to grip the anchoring teeth, and strong metal or treated porcelain to take the place of the missing tooth. When the dentist fixes the bridge in place, it may be necessary to reduce the surface area of the surrounding teeth, to fit the device comfortably, this is not a painful or lengthy procedure, and shouldn’t have any effect on the strength of the bridge once it is permanently fitted.

Most types of material that are used in the manufacturing of dental bridges have been tried and tested for many years, so patients don’t have to worry about wearing the appliance down too quickly, or doing any significant damage to their mouths during the course of their treatment. Despite the fact bridges are incredibly durable, they are not as long-lasting as the real thing, they do require some upkeep and will need to be replaced after a certain amount of time. Furthermore, it’s worth remembering that they are not completely indestructible, if you are fitted with a bridge and you chose to neglect or mistreat it, you could compromise its strength and cause it to break, you might also damage the dummy tooth which is used to replace the broken one. Cleaning your bridge regularly and correctly is the best way to maintain its function; with good care, your device could outlast its predicted lifespan. This might be difficult to begin with, but as you get used to the new appliance, you will become accustomed to keeping it in good condition.

What if my bridge gets broken?

Sometimes accidents just happen, and even with the greatest of care, you might find yourself with a broken bridge. In many cases, it’s the synthetic teeth that comes loose or get damaged, rather than the resin shell itself, which is generally easier to deal with, because it doesn’t necessarily put the health of the mouth at risk in the short-term, although you should seek treatment at the first opportunity. If the only apparent damage is to the dummy teeth, it may be possible to replace them and re-fix the bridge, but if the problem is more extensive, your dentist might be prepared to remove the whole thing and start again. Unfortunately, dental bridges are not normally cheap, so this gives you even more of an incentive to look after your device diligently.

If the teeth that are anchoring the bridge are damaged in some way, they might become too weak to properly secure it, in this case, removing the device may be the only option, and your dentist will have to replace it with a new one that relies on different teeth for support. However, if there are no remaining teeth that are strong enough to hold a bridge in place for any length of time, then other options will have to be considered. A combination of dental implants and a new bridge would replace all missing teeth permanently, and spreading the cost over two treatments – rather than opting for a full mouth of implants – could lower the overall price.

What if I need a lot of teeth replacing?

Many people in the UK are used to living with an empty mouth, but thanks to modern dental techniques, there are several ways in which to replace missing teeth long-term. Some dentists, perhaps those who are less experienced in the field, may be uncomfortable with fitting an extensive bridge, but there are some surgeons who have the skills to work with more extreme cases. Larger bridges can often be difficult to work with, as they have to be made with pinpoint accuracy, or they won’t fit properly. It’s a good idea to consult with your normal dentist before you go ahead with treatment, to make sure they are confident in working with your situation, as you may need to switch providers. The Pearl Dental Clinic, in London, offers bridge fitting and fixing, and the experienced team members can help with all types of situations, so call today to book an appointment if you are having problems with a broken brace, or you would just like to discuss your options.

Bridges that are used to replace a lot of missing teeth usually take longer to manufacture than simpler designs, as they will require several extra stages; firstly checking for a proper function and fit, preparing the bridge to be permanently attached, and then the final cementing process. This does mean that the price for treatment will vary from that of a less extensive device, and any repair costs could also be higher, particularly if the bridge is damaged and has to have large portions replaced. Whether or not a broken bridge can be repaired depends on where the breakage is positioned and, more importantly, what condition the supporting teeth are in; your dentist will have to try a different approach if the natural teeth are not in a suitable state.