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Dental Bridges

Our dental bridges replace your missing teeth and close unsightly gaps.

No one likes a missing tooth! Large gaps between your teeth not only look unsightly, but can alter your bite and increase the strain on surrounding teeth. Luckily dental bridges can solve the issue. Bridges are ideal for people only have one or two teeth missing and do not want a denture.

At Gosforth Dental Surgery, it is frequently possible to give you a complete smile within a few days. We also offer several options from all-ceramic or all-porcelain and porcelain fused to metal bridges.

Dental Bridges in Newcastle

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed device that replaces missing teeth. The teeth either side of the gap are prepared, crowns are placed over the prepared teeth and these are attached to the artificial tooth. New technology we use at our Newcastle Dental Practice means even quite large gaps can be filled using new zirconium-based all-ceramic bridges, giving high-strength, metal-free, cosmetic results.

Benefits of a dental bridge

  • Restores your smile
  • Maintains the shape of your face
  • Prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting out of position
  • Restores the ability to chew and speak properly
  • Distributes the bite force equally be replacing missing teeth

Types of dental bridges

There are three main types of bridge:

Conventional fixed bridge

This is a standard type of bridge which consists of a false tooth joined to two crowns which are secured onto neighbouring teeth. It’s usually made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramic.

Adhesive “sticky” bridge

This is typically used to fill in a gap in the front teeth or in instances where the adjacent teeth are strong, healthy, and free from fillings. The false tooth is made from porcelain and fused to metal wings which are then bonded to your existing teeth with resin.

Cantilever bridge

This is usually used when only one tooth needs replacing and in instances where there are only teeth present on one side of the gap.

Dental bridges in steps

Firstly, we try to understand your aims of replacing the missing teeth and discuss all the suitable options with you. Your dentist at Gosforth Dental Surgery will take some impressions and photographs of your teeth to ensure a very natural result.

During your visit to our Newcastle Dental Practice, the adjacent teeth are trimmed down slightly to make room for their crowns. A mould is taken of this area and then used to create the crowns and bridge. At this stage, we’ll also determine the right shade for your bridge and you’ll be fitted with a temporary bridge to wear until your new one is ready.

The last visit will involve removing the temporary bridge and fitting the new one. Your dentist at Gosforth Dental Surgery will check the fit and bite and make any necessary adjustments. Once we’re happy it fits well and delivers a good bite, we’ll cement it into place and you walk out a new you.

Frequently asked questions

Bridges are only possible if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support. Your dentist in our Newcastle Dental Practice will advise you on the best option to replace your missing teeth and you can learn more about the different types of bridges.

At Gosforth Dental Surgery we have several choices of materials for bridges. You can basically choose from 2 types of material; porcelain fused to metal or all ceramic “all porcelain” zirconia bridges. During your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss with you the benefits of each material.

Thanks to technological advances in dentistry, all porcelain bridges can perfectly imitate the enamel of your existing teeth, resulting in a totally natural result. At Gosforth Dental Surgery, your dentist will take professional photographs of your teeth and communicate with the dental technician making your bridge, which allows for a better colour match.

You need to clean your bridge every day. Your dentist will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush will not be able to reach under the bridge.

Hold onto the longer piece of floss, gently bring it up and pull the pointed end all the way through. Floss using both your hands, moving the floss back and forth under the bridge. Floss the bridge completely from one end to the other. You can also see the hygienist in our Newcastle Dental Practice to go through the cleaning process with you.

For many people it can take up to 6 months for the gums to heal properly after an extraction. However, we know that no one likes a missing tooth. Your dentist at Gosforth Dental Surgery will discuss with you the temporary options; a temporary bridge or a temporary denture. The final bridge will be fitted after complete healing.

With good oral hygiene and eating habits, your dental bridge can be expected to last between 10-15 years.

Other alternatives to dental bridges include dental implants and dentures. When visiting our dental practice in Newcastle, your dentist will advise you on the treatment option appropriate for you.