Bridges
Lewis Estates Dental Centre offers expert dental bridge solutions to patients in West Edmonton and Edmonton.
Missing teeth can create gaps in your smile, affecting how you eat, speak, and feel about your appearance. At Lewis Estates Dental Centre, we understand the impact of these gaps, and we’re pleased to offer dental bridges as a reliable solution to restore your smile’s function and natural beauty.
We’re here to provide you with personalized care and help you find the best solution for your needs.
Book an appointment at our West Edmonton location today.
What are Bridges?
Dental bridges are custom-made restorations designed to fill the gaps left by missing teeth. They are made up of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, which are anchored in place by crowns on the teeth next to the gap. They’re called bridges because they “bridge” the gap between your natural teeth!
The Benefits of Bridges
Choosing dentures offers many advantages for our oral health and well-being, such as:
- Restored smile: Bridges fill in any gaps in your smile, giving you back your confident grin.
- Better chewing: Missing teeth can make chewing uncomfortable. Bridges restore your ability to eat your favourite foods with ease!
- Prevent shifting teeth: Gaps in your smile can cause the neighbouring teeth to shift into the gap. Bridges hold this space, preventing your other teeth from shifting and causing crowding or crookedness in your smile.
Cost-efficient: Bridges are more affordable than dental implants, though not as permanent.
Types of Bridges
All of our dentures are made from high-quality materials that closely resemble natural gum tissue and teeth, providing a realistic appearance.
Selecting the right bridge for you depends on your specific needs, oral health, and overall lifestyle. We’ll work with you during your consultation to help determine the best option.
Traditional bridges
This is the most common type of dental bridge. They involve placing a crown on the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth) to anchor the replacement tooth (pontic) in between. We carefully prepare the abutment teeth to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Maryland bonded bridges
Maryland bridges offer a more conservative approach than traditional bridges, as they require less alteration of the neighbouring teeth. They consist of porcelain teeth supported by a metal framework that bonds to the back of adjacent teeth.
Maryland bridges are used to replace front teeth, but aren’t recommended for molars or bicuspids.
Cantilever Bridges
If there’s only one adjacent tooth available to support a bridge, a Cantilever bridge may be the solution. The pontic is anchored to one or more crowns on that adjacent tooth. This solution requires careful planning to avoid placing excess pressure on the single supporting tooth.
The Dental Bridge Process: What to Expect
We want you to feel fully informed and comfortable when getting a bridge. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation and treatment planning
Your treatment begins with a thorough consultation with our experienced and compassionate dental team. We use advanced imaging technology to create a personalized treatment plan. You’ll also be able to ask any questions about the process and treatment options.
Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure typically requires 2-3 visits to complete.
During your first appointment, the neighbouring teeth will need to be reshaped to accommodate the crowns. We’ll use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during this process. We’ll take highly accurate impressions of your teeth to send to the dental laboratory to craft your custom-made bridge. You’ll receive a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth until your next appointment.
At your second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed, and your custom-made, permanent bridge will be placed. We’ll carefully check and adjust to make sure it fits well and that you’re happy with how it looks. Depending on your specific situation, we may temporarily cement the bridge to allow your teeth and tissue time to adjust, then bring you back for another appointment to permanently cement your new bridge.
Aftercare
With proper care, your dental bridge can last for many years. When you leave, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions on how to maintain your bridge so it lasts as long as possible. That aftercare includes:
- Brushing and flossing daily
- Using special floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean under the pontic and prevent trapped debris
- Get regular dental checkups so we can assess your bridge and make sure it’s functioning well
Why Choose Lewis Estates Dental Centre for your Bridge?
At Lewis Estates Dental Centre, we’re committed to providing high-quality dental care in a friendly and supportive environment. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques and materials to create durable, natural-looking bridges. We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, and we’ll work closely with you to achieve your smile goals. We’re here to restore your smile and confidence.
Your dream smile is just a consultation away!