Do my missing teeth need replacing?

Missing teeth don’t just look unpleasant most of the time; they also pose a risk to any remaining teeth and the jawbone if the space is ignored. Gaps in the gum line put greater strain on the natural teeth as they work harder to make up for the vacancy, this can cause them to wear down unevenly or even to change position altogether. A missing molar can move all the pressure to the front of the mouth and make the incisors splay out; it could also cause healthy teeth to twist in their sockets.

Furthermore, without teeth attached to the jawbone it will start to deteriorate, this is because chewing and biting stimulates bone growth. If the bone has no teeth to support it will start to dissolve into the tissue and the whole shape of the face is altered. There’s no reason to let the situation get this serious when there are bridges that can be fitted to help the mouth function as it should.

What is a dental bridge?

This kind of appliance is used to fill gaps in between teeth and to create the appearance of a natural, even smile. They are anchored to the surrounding teeth either with metal clasps or with crowns placed over the neighbouring dentures. They are sometimes removable, but most are cemented permanently into place. For patients undergoing a course of treatment – such as a smile makeover – the dentist may have to fit a temporary denture for a few months, if extractions or other surgery has taken place, this is to allow the gums to heal properly so the bridge will fit comfortably.

There are three main kinds of dental bridges;

Traditional fixed bridge – This consists of a dummy tooth – or Pontic – fixed between two crowns that are placed over the anchoring teeth like a shell. The pontic can be made from metal or ceramics. As its name suggests, this type of bridge is fixed permanently to the teeth and cannot be removed.

Maryland bridge – These are generally more useful for filling spaces in the front teeth as opposed to the molars at the back of the mouth. A Maryland bridge functions best when the anchoring teeth are intact and without fillings, otherwise they won’t be strong enough to hold up the pontic. Instead of using crowns to attach the new tooth, a Maryland bridge is fixed in place with small metal bands, which are bonded to the surrounding teeth.

Cantilever bridges – Some patients don’t have a tooth on either side of the space that is capable of holding up a pontic, this is where cantilever bridges come in handy. These appliances are bonded to more than one tooth in a row, to make up for the lack of stability on both sides of the gap.

What are they made of?

Dental bridges are typically made out of either porcelain or a mixture of porcelain and precious metals; these are durable and long-lasting replacements for natural teeth. They look like real teeth and the metals are tightly bonded to the remaining dentures to hold them in place.

How are they fitted?

If you have spaces in your mouth that you would like to eliminate, you can book a consultation at the Pearl Dental Clinic in London, where you will have all your options explained to you. Should your dentist decide that a bridge is the way forward, you will then have to make a second appointment to have your teeth reshaped to fit the appliance. During the reshaping process, the anchoring teeth will be filed down to a peg shape so that the crown can fit over them comfortably. The degree to which your teeth are reshaped will depend on the size of the tooth that needs replacing, and the positioning of the bridge. After this, a mould will be taken of your teeth using dental putty, this is sent away to the laboratory for the technicians to build a bridge unique to your teeth.

While you’re waiting for the bridge to arrive, your dentist may fit you with a temporary denture to protect the remaining teeth and to make your smile complete. This will help determine the right shade and position of the teeth, in order to get the best result from the treatment.

By the time you arrive for your third appointment, the fixture should be ready for fitting. The temporary bridge will be removed and the new one slotted in. After checking that it’s comfortable and correctly fitted, your dentist will then cement your new teeth temporarily into place. There will be some follow-up appointments required to make sure the bite is correct and to see if any adjustments need to be made, then the bridge will be fixed in permanently.

Are they easy to look after?

As long as you practice good oral hygiene, you shouldn’t have too many problems with your bridge. Brush and floss twice a day and be sure to clean all around the dummy tooth, to keep it looking its best. It’s important to look after all of your teeth, not just the false one, as the anchoring teeth are holding it in place, if they are left to decay it’s likely that you will have to begin the whole process all over again – with one less tooth to rely on. Try to avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar, don’t smoke, and attend regular dental check-ups. With good care a quality dental bridge can last up to fifteen years. They are built to last, but don’t put any unnecessary pressure on your bridge – particularly in the first few months as you get used to it – stick to soft foods until you are accustomed to the new bite.

If you are struggling to get your teeth to look their whitest, it’s worth considering a professional clean with an oral hygienist, they will be able to give you some tips on how to get the best out of your appliance.