If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, there are a few solutions that can help to restore your smile. One solution Pure Dentistry dentist Brisbane might recommend is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a false tooth or false teeth that can help bridge the gap in your smile. Often, dental bridges are made from medical-grade ceramic so they blend naturally with your existing teeth.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at dental bridges, so you can learn if they may be the right solution for you.

There are four types of dental bridges that are used in modern dentistry. Here’s a quick overview of each:

• Traditional – A traditional dental bridge is the most popular type of bridge. They consist of a false tooth that is held in place by dental crowns that get cemented to the neighbouring teeth. When you have natural teeth on either side of the gap, a traditional bridge is usually the preferred solution.
• Cantilever – if you don’t have natural teeth on each side of the gap, your dentist may use a cantilever bridge. This type of bridge is attached to a crown on only one of the neighbouring teeth.
• Maryland – a Maryland bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but doesn’t use crowns to attach to natural teeth. Instead, a Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework that gets bonded onto the backside of the surrounding teeth.
• Implant-supported – if you are missing many teeth, your dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge. Unlike the other options that use crowns or frameworks, this type of bridge is supported by dental implants. The strength of this type of bridge is unrivalled, but it can take months to complete this procedure.

If you’re missing teeth, your dentist will be able to discuss your options with you so you can understand the pros and cons of each type of bridge.

Anyone who has missing or damaged teeth can benefit from a dental bridge. When you’re missing teeth, it can cause bite problems, chewing issues, pain, or self-consciousness. In addition, a missing tooth may cause other teeth to shift out of place. If you’ve lost teeth due to injury, illness, or gum disease, you may experience some of these symptoms. But the great news is that dental bridges can help! If you want to restore your smile, you can talk to your dentist about bridges.

Dental bridges are a great choice because they can help eliminate any complications from missing teeth, and can also help to improve the appearance of your smile. Often, bridges are offered as an alternative to implants, and they have a few distinct advantages over implants. For the most part, dental bridges don’t require complicated surgery or bone grafting like implants often do.

In addition, bridges are more likely to cost less than dental implants. You’ll only have to visit your dentist a few times to complete the entire procedure, and there is little pain or recovery time. On the other hand, dental implants may take up to six months to complete When you care for your bridges properly; they can last for years, though you may need to get them replaced every five to seven years.

Before you get dental bridges, you may want to know more about what the procedure entails. Here are the steps your dentist will typically take:

1. First, your dentist will prepare the area by injecting the gums with a local anaesthetic. This will help ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
2. The dentist will then prepare the surrounding teeth by making room for the required crowns or framework.
3. Next, your dentist will create an impression of your teeth to ensure that your custom bridge will fit properly. They send this impression to a lab that will make your implant.
4. Your dentist will place a temporary bridge to fill in your gap while you await your custom bridge.
5. Once your custom bridge is ready, your dentist will remove your temporary bridge and fit your custom, permanent bridge.
6. Your dentist may make some additional adjustments to ensure a great, comfortable fit.

This procedure may happen throughout two or three appointments but usually only takes a few weeks to complete. After the procedure, you may experience some mild swelling or discomfort, and your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or a gentle saline rinse. Ask your dentist about any special procedures you may need to follow after your new bridge is placed.

Before you get dental bridges, you may want to know more about what the procedure entails. Here are the steps your dentist will typically take:

1. First, your dentist will prepare the area by injecting the gums with a local anaesthetic. This will help ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
2. The dentist will then prepare the surrounding teeth by making room for the required crowns or framework.
3. Next, your dentist will create an impression of your teeth to ensure that your custom bridge will fit properly. They send this impression to a lab that will make your implant.
4. Your dentist will place a temporary bridge to fill in your gap while you await your custom bridge.
5. Once your custom bridge is ready, your dentist will remove your temporary bridge and fit your custom, permanent bridge.
6. Your dentist may make some additional adjustments to ensure a great, comfortable fit.

This procedure may happen throughout two or three appointments but usually only takes a few weeks to complete. After the procedure, you may experience some mild swelling or discomfort, and your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or a gentle saline rinse. Ask your dentist about any special procedures you may need to follow after your new bridge is placed.

Archaeological evidence tells us that ancient civilizations used bridges to fill in their smiles. Some of the earliest bridges were found over 4,000 years ago in ancient China. These people carved tiny pieces of bamboo into pegs and placed them in the gaps where teeth were missing. 2,500 years later, the ancient Egyptians used gold or silver thread to keep artificial teeth in place. This was thought to be more aesthetic than functional, though.

The Etruscans of 7th century Italy created the first known dentures. They used both animal and human teeth, which were held together with gold bands. These teeth were then placed in the mouth. It was common to use animal or human teeth to replace missing teeth, but this often led to health complications like infection and disease. At that time, we knew little about oral health and hygiene, but even as we learned more, bridges didn’t improve significantly until modern times.

Dental practices became much more modern starting in the 18th century, though human teeth were often still used to replace missing teeth. Human teeth became such a commodity that grave robbers would dig up bodies to obtain them. Most bridges were made from genuine human teeth during this time, though many dentists began to experiment with making bridges from other materials like bone and ivory.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that dentists began using porcelain to craft bridges, safer and much more sanitary. Dentists found, however, that porcelain is fragile and will break and chip easily. It also doesn’t quite match with the shade of natural teeth. Years later, medical-grade ceramic became the material of choice for dental bridges because of its durability and natural look.

Modern dental bridges have come a long way from the bamboo pegs used in ancient China. While implants are often viewed as the strongest and longest-lasting solution for missing teeth, dental bridge technology quickly catches up. Bridges are built to last longer, better support surrounding teeth, and stand up to wear and tear.

With the use of new technology, dentists can take 3D pictures of your teeth so that they can ensure a more secure fit with your new bridge. This means there are no impressions needed. In addition, technology is being developed so that dentists can create custom bridges right in their office without needing to send the job off to a lab. This means you get your bridges quicker, sometimes in as little as one appointment.

Are you struggling with gaps in your smile? If you’re having any pain or trouble related to missing teeth, it can be an isolating experience. After all, your smile is one of the most important things about you! Dental bridges are a quick and cost-effective solution that can help you be your best self! Of course, it’s essential to talk to your dentist about the solutions they can provide and which may be best for your particular case. But bridges are still one of the most recommended treatments for missing teeth.

Before getting any dental procedure done, it’s essential to find a dentist you trust. Not all dentists are equal! Pure Dentistry is a premier dental practice in Brisbane, and we are here to help make sure you love going to the dentist! We are proud to provide general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, paediatric dentist, and emergency dental care for children and adults.

We understand how important your smile is to you, and we are happy to partner with you to learn how to keep it healthy for years to come. If you require dental bridges or any other type of general dental care, contact us! Our team is happy to help answer any questions you may have about the care we offer.