Dental Fixed Bridge in NW Calgary
Missing one or more teeth can affect more than just your smile, it can impact your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper oral health. At our NW Calgary dental clinic, we offer fixed dental bridges as a reliable and long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth and restore function and confidence.
Dental Services
What is a Fixed Bridge?
Fixed bridges quite simply replace missing teeth to improve chewing and to help one’s appearance. Bridges consist of one or more replacement teeth anchored to the natural teeth next to them.
Ask our dentists if you could benefit from a dental bridge.
All of our services are performed by a general dentist.
Why Do Missing Teeth Need to Be Replaced?
In a normal, healthy mouth, your teeth have a natural balance. Each upper tooth contacts the corresponding lower tooth, allowing for a well-balanced chewing function.
Just one missing tooth can cause the position of other teeth to change; some teeth may tilt forward, or opposing teeth may move into the adjacent space. The gap left by a missing tooth can lead to strain on neighboring teeth and affect your bite.
Shifting, drifting, and tilting teeth can cause a variety of problems such as difficult or painful chewing patterns, difficulty in cleaning, increased areas of food impaction, and aesthetic concerns. Generally, if the missing tooth is not replaced, other teeth in the same arch and opposite arch will be affected over time.
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Introduction to Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth, effectively restoring both the appearance and function of your natural teeth. This dental solution involves a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is securely held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges are versatile and can be crafted from various materials, including gold, porcelain, and titanium metal. With proper care, these bridges can provide a durable and long-lasting solution to tooth loss, seamlessly blending with your natural teeth to restore your smile and chewing function.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges available, each tailored to meet different dental needs. Traditional dental bridges are the most common, featuring a false tooth or teeth held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Cantilever dental bridges are similar but are supported by a dental crown on only one side of the gap, making them suitable for areas with only one adjacent tooth.
Maryland dental bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the abutment teeth, providing a more conservative option. Lastly, implant-supported dental bridges use dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks to secure the bridge, offering a stable and long-lasting solution. Each type of bridge has its own set of advantages and considerations, and your dentist can help determine the best option based on your specific oral health needs.
Preparing & Fitting a Dental Bridge
It will take two or more dental visits to prepare and fit your bridge. A well-structured treatment plan, created in collaboration with your dentist, is essential to manage potential failures and ensure proper maintenance of the dental work.
Visit One
First, your dentist reshapes the supporting teeth in the same way that crowns are prepared to anchor your fixed bridge. Then an impression is taken of the area in the mouth that will receive the bridge. This impression is crucial for attaching the acrylic resin to achieve a natural tooth color on the labial surface of the metal crowns and bridges.
Your dentist will select a colour from a guide to make sure the replacement teeth match the colour of your natural teeth if a ceramic bridge is chosen. The dentist may fit you with a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth while your custom fixed bridge is being fabricated.
Visit Two
At your second visit, your temporary bridge is removed and your dentist places the fixed bridge onto your prepared teeth. The dentist may adjust it so that the bridge feels even more comfortable in your mouth. When all aspects of the bridge are just right, it will be bonded or cemented into place.
The pontic, or artificial tooth, will be securely attached to the abutment teeth, ensuring stability and functionality. Your new bridge will be ready for normal function in a few hours if not immediately.
Caring for Your Bridge
To ensure the longevity and functionality of your dental bridge, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, as well as cleaning under the false tooth daily. Your dentist or hygienist will demonstrate how to use a bridge needle or special floss to effectively clean under the bridge.
Regular dental check-ups are also essential to monitor the condition of your bridge and address any potential issues early on. By taking proper care of your dental bridge, you can prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease, ensuring that your bridge remains in optimal condition for years to come.
Cost and Considerations
The cost of a dental bridge can vary widely depending on the type of bridge, the materials used, and the experience and location of the dentist. On average, a traditional dental bridge can range from $500 to $1,200 per tooth, while an implant-supported bridge can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per tooth. It is important to discuss the cost and any concerns with your dentist before proceeding with treatment.
Additionally, consider the long-term benefits of a dental bridge, such as preventing more costly and complex dental procedures in the future. By weighing the costs and benefits, you can make an informed decision about whether a dental bridge is the right solution for your dental needs.
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