Dental Bridges

A DENTAL BRIDGE?
A dental bridge  is two or more  dental crowns  hat are joined together to form one unit. They therefore "bridge"  over a gap or space, left by another tooth that was removed. Dental bridges  are non-removable and feel and look just like real teeth (also called fixed dental bridges ). The downside of a dental bridge  is that it relies on your existing anchor teeth to support it. If these anchor teeth are well looked after, you can expect a good quality restoration for many years to come.

TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGE MATERIAL

Acrylic dental bridge  Cast Metal dental bridge  Porcelain dental bridge  Porcelain with metal support underneath   Fiber dental bridges  (latest technology)

Dental Bridge

TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGES

• Partial dental bridges 
• Permanent dental bridges 
• Non-removable dental bridges / Fixed dental bridges 
• Removable dental bridges 
• Temporary dental bridges

DENTAL BRIDGE OPTIONS
The more missing teeth, the longer the dental bridge will get. Therefore careful planning is needed.

COST FOR DENTAL BRIDGES
The price of dental bridges will vary depending on the number of crown units.  R2500 per unit / crown *   Fiber dental bridges are more affordable: R3600 per 3-unit* 
*Prices are for 2008

DENTAL BRIDGE PROCEDURE

First Appointment 

• After numbing the area, the anchor teeth get prepared by doing a 360 º preparation to ensure enough space for the fabrication of the retainer crowns. All insertion lines must be parallel to facilitate insertion. 
• Impressions are taken to be send away to a dental laboratory. These impressions will be used to make plaster models in order to fabricate the dental  bridge 
• A temporary bridge / restoration is fitted to protect the naked anchor teeth until the next visit.   

Second Appointment

• The temporary bridge / resotration is taken off and the new dental bridge is fitted. 
• A semi-permanent cement is very often used to cement the bridge to make removal easier for the dentist, should the need arise to investigate a problem in the first few days. 

DENTAL BRIDGES VS DENTAL IMPLANTS
There are some differences between Dental Bridges and  Dental Implants.   The main difference between these two options, is what keeps it staying in the patient's mouth. Dental Bridges rely on existing healthy anchor teeth, where  Dental Implants   need enough bone to stabilise it in the jaw.   Dental Implants   are more long-term than Dental Bridges, because of Dental Implant's resistance to tooth decay (metal structure).    Dental Implants   are therefore also more expensive and more time is needed from the first to the final visit.

DENTAL BRIDGES CARE
Cleaning dental bridges is very important. Since  decay under the dental bridge   is still a posiblity, general cleaning and hygienic procedures are advised:

• Daily brushing and rinsing with a mouth rinse 
• Special soft pics to aid in the cleaning process 
• Flossing with special floss (Superfloss®) is important to get underneath the pontic tooth 
• Avoid chewing on hard objects and ice 

Superfloss®

Soft Pics

  HOME CARE KITS  are available at our practice to help you to keep you Dental Bridge in tip-top condition Our KITS include:

• Instructions on how to brush & floss to keep your bridge plague free 
• Superfloss® 
• The amazing soft pics 
• Your own dental mirror to let you actually see what you are doing!