Bridges
How they help
As well as restoring an incomplete smile, bridges can offer a host of other benefits, including:
- Improving how you eat and speak.
- Enhancing facial contours.
- Distributing the forces in your bite correctly.
- Preventing remaining teeth from moving out of position.
How they work
- The abutment teeth are prepared by removing a layer of enamel to ensure there will be sufficient room for the crowns.
- Impressions are taken so the bridge can be tailor-made to fit.
- While the bridge is being made, a temporary bridge may be put in place to protect the exposed teeth.
- When ready, the bridge is checked and adjusted to make sure it fits perfectly and it is finally fixed in place with strong dental cement.
How to look after them
Good oral hygiene is essential to ensure the longevity of your bridge. It is especially important to clean under the false tooth, as well as brushing and flossing regularly. If bridges are well looked after, and that includes keeping the surrounding teeth healthy so they can continue to provide a solid foundation, they should last for over ten years.