All teeth in our dentition have an important and particular role to play. In addition to their function, front teeth are particularly important for aesthetics and speech. If front teeth are lost due to tooth decay, periodontal problems or trauma; a functional and aesthetically pleasing replacement (prosthesis) becomes clinically necessary to close the gap. Dental bridges can be a successful treatment option for your dentist to do just that.
Dental bridges situated in the anterior (front) region are particularly suitable for some patients
In order to securely place a now recommended dental bridge in the anterior (front) region of the mouth, the neighbouring teeth must be slightly ground down. These teeth then serve as anchor points to support the dental bridge once placed. Dental bridges are characterised by their long service life and can usually be bespoke crafted relatively quickly and easily. A dental bridge can be a sensible alternative to an implant supported restoration. A dental bridge as the preferred treatment option can be an especially considered choice for affected patients who present with little existing jawbone, difficulty with wound healing or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.
The disadvantages of dental bridges sited in the anterior (front) region
From our professional experience we realise that grinding the anchor teeth down can be a disadvantage. In addition, these teeth, now serving as anchor points, are exposed to a slightly higher load because they have to withstand the functional pressure that is on the dental bridge now fitted and in daily use. If the anchor teeth are stable, however, this is usually not a problem.
The adhesive bridge, otherwise known as a Maryland bridge, is a special type of dental bridge. This dental bridge is attached to a neighbouring tooth using a special adhesive technique. A Maryland bridge is a highly advantageous dental prosthetic choice for adolescents as the anchoring tooth only has to be minimally ground down and so leaves all dental health care options available for the future (e.g., such as dental implant placement).
The precise placement of your dental bridge
After the neighbouring teeth adjacent to the tooth gap have been carefully ground down, your dentist takes a conventional or digital impression of your teeth or opts to scan your teeth three-dimensionally. During this booked appointment, your dentist and you also determine the future colour of the dental bridge you now require. You receive a temporary dental bridge which acts to initially close the gap between the teeth. Your permanent, bespoke crafted dental bridge is made within our dental laboratory by an expert member of our master dental technician team, according to your individual tooth model we took the time and care to prepare, first of all.
At your second appointment, your dental bridge will be inserted into the tooth gap. Upon placement, your dentist can check size accuracy, general fit achieved plus the colour and the functional and aesthetic interaction of the new dental bridge with your other natural teeth. If your new dental bridge fulfils all the clinical criteria we are seeking to achieve and if you as our patient are completely satisfied with the look and feel of the results, then your dental bridge is cemented in place permanently.
Prior to this stage in the procedure, rest assured that if there are some aspects of your dental bridge which you are not completely happy with, our dental laboratory will correct them. Only once you are completely satisfied with the bespoke dental bridge we have crafted for you; will it be placed. Note that after a couple of weeks, at your follow-up appointment, your dentist can check your dental bridge and especially your bite, once again, so as to make further minor adjustments if necessary.
Conclusion
In addition to dental implants, dental bridges can be a functional and at the same time aesthetically appealing treatment of tooth gaps which can present in the anterior (front) region of the mouth. Thanks to the mostly uncomplicated integration into the row of teeth affected plus the good record of durability of a dental bridge of approximately 20 years – this treatment option can be your perfect choice to expertly replace missing front teeth.
Should you require any more information on dental bridges, please contact us.