Bridgework

Dental Bridgework in Cork

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  What is a Dental Bridge?

  As the name suggests, a dental bridge ‘bridges’ any gaps between healthy teeth with false teeth, also called pontics. Either side of your remaining teeth can be filled with crowns that support the pontics, which are cemented into place. Dental bridges can fill in gaps of one or more teeth with pontics and recreate a happy and healthy smile full of teeth.
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  Dental Bridge Types

  There are four main types of dental bridge commonly used by dentists. Bandon Dental can provide dental bridgework using the below methods:
  Maryland (resin-bonded): if you’re missing your front teeth, a Maryland bridge may be the best option. These bridges are made of porcelain which is fused to either metal or ceramic teeth, all of which is supported by a framework.
  Cantilever: these bridges connect false teeth (pontics) to an abutment tooth. You may require a cantilever bridge if you only have teeth on one side of a gap.
  Traditional: the most common type of bridge, a traditional bridge uses two or more crowns as well as filler teeth that are connected. These bridges are made of either metal, porcelain (which is fused to metal), or ceramic materials.
  Implant-supported: like traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges connect two or more crowns and filler teeth. These bridges are held in place with implants, as the name suggests, rather than being cemented to teeth.
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  The Dental Bridge Procedure

  Dental bridgework can be completed by a qualified dentist in as few as two sessions. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare any abutment teeth by removing enamel and dentin and providing a temporary bridge for any exposed areas. Impressions are made and sent to a laboratory. During the second visit, your dentist will replace the temporary bridge with your permanent bridge and adjust it as necessary.
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  Caring for a Dental Bridge

  A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, which means that caring for your new dental bridge relies on maintaining good oral hygiene for your remaining healthy teeth and preventing tooth decay and cavities. Brush and floss frequently, eat a healthy diet, and visit your dentist at Bandon Dental to keep your dental bridge and your remaining teeth healthy.
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  Alternatives to Dental Bridges

  There are two main alternatives to dental bridgework that patients may wish to consider: dental implants and partial dentures. Speak with a reputable dentist near you in Cork at Bandon Dental to learn more about your treatment options for missing teeth.