About Bridges! At Paul Lowe Dentistry

When might I need a bridge?
If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist here at Paul Lowe may recommend that you have a bridge fitted. Failing to replace missing teeth will result in your other teeth shifting into the free space, resulting in the need for potential orthodontic treatment and creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

How are bridges fitted?
Bridges are cemented to your natural teeth (abutments). You will have a choice of materials (like with crowns) when choosing what you would like your bridge to be made from. You can be fitted with ceramic or porcelain bridges so that they match the colour of your existing teeth.

Dental bridges – the procedure
Before the bridge can be created by your dentist, the tooth or teeth in question need to be formed to size. Once your teeth have been etched to accommodate for the bridge, your dentist will take impressions (or a mould) of your teeth or tooth, in order for your bridge to be made up. The bridge will be made up by a dental technician in the dental lab using the material that you have chosen with your dentist. Whilst your bridge is being prepared, you will usually be given a temporary bridge to cover the prepared tooth.

Looking after my bridge
If you look after your bridge correctly, they can last for many years. It is paramount to maintain a good level of oral hygiene and attend regular check-ups with your dentist and dental hygienist here at Paul Lowe. You should also be brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for 2 minutes. When you have just had the bridge fitted, try to avoid any hard foods as these can damage the bridge in the early stages. Keep your gums healthy as this is paramount in the success and effectiveness of bridges and indeed crowns – floss at least once a day to cover all tooth surfaces and lower your changes of developing gingivitis.