Dental Bridges at Heathwood Dental Practice

Dental Bridges at Heathwood Dental Practice

At Heathwood Dental Practice, we understand the importance of a complete, functional, and confident smile. If you have missing teeth, dental bridges offer a reliable and natural-looking solution to restore your bite and appearance. Our experienced team provides high-quality, minimally invasive treatment using advanced techniques to ensure long-lasting results.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a fixed solution for replacing missing teeth. It consists of a replacement tooth (pontic) attached to the natural teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the gap. Bridges are a preferred alternative to dentures and help to:

• Restore your smile and confidence
• Improve chewing and speaking
• Prevent teeth from shifting
• Maintain a healthy bite and jaw alignment

Why Replace a Missing Tooth?

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can shift into the gap, leading to:
Difficulty cleaning the area, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
Misalignment of the bite, which can cause jaw pain and discomfort
Changes in facial structure over time
At Heathwood Dental Practice, our dentists will assess your oral health and advise you on the best tooth replacement option.

Types of Dental Bridges

Conventional Fixed Bridges

• Involves placing crowns on adjacent teeth to support the bridge
• Offers excellent aesthetics and durability
• Requires removal of some healthy tooth structure

Adhesive (Resin-Bonded) Maryland Bridges

• Uses a metal or porcelain wing attached to the back of the adjacent tooth
• Minimally invasive, requiring little to no preparation of supporting teeth
• Can occasionally become loose and may need re-bonding

The Bridge Procedure

First Appointment – Preparation & Impressions

• Teeth are prepared for the bridge
• Digital scans or impressions are taken and sent to a laboratory
• Temporary restoration may be placed while your custom bridge is being made

Second Appointment (Two Weeks Later) – Permanent Fitting

• The final custom-made bridge is securely cemented into place
• The fit, bite, and aesthetics are checked to ensure a comfortable and natural feel

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

With proper care, a dental bridge can last many years. To maintain it:

• Brush and floss daily – Special bridge floss is available to clean underneath the pontic
• Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning
• Avoid hard or sticky foods that may put stress on the bridge

At Heathwood Dental Practice, we are committed to providing ethical, high-quality, and patient-centred care. If you’re considering a dental bridge, book a consultation today to discuss your options.