A dental bridge is two or more dental crowns that 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)
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Dental Bridge |
- Partial dental bridges
- Permanent dental bridges
- Non-removable dental bridges / Fixed dental bridges
- Removable dental bridges
- Temporary dental bridges
The more missing teeth, the longer the dental bridge will get. Therefore careful planning is needed.
3 Unit Dental Bridge |
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6 Unit Dental Bridge |
The price of dental bridges will vary depending on the number of crown units.
R2500 per unit / crown*
Fiber dental bridges are more affordable: R4500 per 3-unit*
*Prices are for 2010
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
| 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 Inplants are therefore also more expensive and more time is needed from the first to the final visit.
| DENTAL BRIDGES: FEQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS |
Q: What if I have pain wearing my dental bridge?
A: Although Dental Bridges are fixed and cannot be removed by the patient, it is possible to have the bridge taken off by your dentist. Many times an intermediate cement is used to cement the bridge to make removal easier, should that become nescessary.
Q: How do I remove my dental bridge?
A: Only your dentist can remove your dental bridge using special instruments. Unfortunately, removing the dental bridge is sometimes not possible without having to use drilling instruments. This means a new dental bridge must be made.
Q: My dental bridge is loose. What should I do?
A: Refrain from eating sticky foods and see your dentist at your earliest convenience. By biting down on the dental bridge it will not come off the teeth completely and the underlying teeth will stay protected.
Q: How long do dental bridges last?
A: Dental Bridges will last as long as the lifespan of the anchor teeth. Failure is normally the result of tooth decay of these anchors and a new dental bridge is indicated. Make sure to floss regularly under your dental bridge to keep it free from tooth decay. You can then easily expect your dental bridge to last between 12 - 20 years.
| DENTAL BRIDGE CARE |
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Cleaning dental bridges is very important. Since decay under the dental bridge is still a posiblity, general cleaning and hygienic procedures are advised:
Superfloss |
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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:
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