A dental bridge hides the gap left by one or more consecutive missing teeth. Bridges are a great option for minor tooth loss. The prosthetic can be held in place by two crowns that are placed on nearby healthy teeth or by dental implants. Our office works with the best materials to fabricate high-quality dental bridges that blend in with your natural teeth.
Dental Bridges
Am I a candidate for a dental bridge?
If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, you may be a great candidate for a dental bridge. If you suffer from extensive tooth loss or an entire arch of missing teeth, you may be a better candidate for a partial or full denture.
Candidates for a traditional bridge must have two healthy teeth (one on each side of the gap) that can support dental crowns. If you are seeking an implant-retained dental bridge, you will need to have adequate jawbone density to receive the surgically placed titanium posts.
Candidates for implant surgery should be in good overall health and free from any conditions that could complicate surgery and recovery. Our office offers advanced imaging technology that can examine your upper and lower jawbones.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge restores your smile and your self-confidence. If you have suffered the loss of one or more teeth, you know that eating and even speaking can become difficult. The loss of teeth on one side of your mouth can cause you to rely more on the other side when chewing. Over time, this can lead to jaw pain and other problems.
A missing tooth can also put a real dent in your smile. Many of our patients express insecurity about smiling when they have one or more missing teeth. Tooth loss is unattractive, and it can leave you looking several years older than your actual age. Multiple missing teeth can even leave your cheeks looking sunken-in, which can further add to the appearance of advanced age.
Once you have been fitted with your custom dental crown, you can regain restored oral function and an attractive smile. Dental implants offer further benefits. The titanium posts prevent jawbone atrophy that typically follows tooth loss.
How is a dental bridge placed?
If you are receiving a traditional dental bridge, you will need to have two teeth prepped to receive dental crowns. The preparation process removes natural tooth structure so your crowns can rest over the abutment teeth without protruding. Once local anesthesia has been administered, your doctor will gently drill off the outer layer of your abutment teeth.
Once your teeth are prepped, digital images of your teeth will be taken and you will be fitted with a temporary bridge. Our Coffs Harbour office offers advanced intraoral scanners that can take detailed digital images of your teeth. The images will be used to fabricate your final bridge.
When your permanent dental bridge arrives, another appointment date will be set. Your doctor will ensure that the bridge is a great fit and meets your aesthetic goals before placing the prosthetic in place using a strong cement.
To receive an implant-supported dental bridge, you will need to undergo a straightforward oral surgery procedure to place one or more titanium posts in your jaw. Our dental team includes an experienced and respected oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Our doctors have extensive experience in placing dental implants. Every aspect of your dental implant placement will be handled through one of our dental offices so you do not have to be referred out to an oral surgeon you do not know. Once your dental implants have fully healed, you can be fitted with a durable and natural-looking bridge.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation Today
A dental bridge restores form and function to your smile. Following the loss of one or more teeth, trust the doctors of Magic Smiles to have you fitted with a custom dental bridge that will give you something to really smile about.
To schedule your next visit, please contact one of our three convenient locations.
Coffs Harbour
176 Pacific Hwy, Suite 2
Coffs Harbour
NSW 2450
P: (02) 6652-3242
[email protected]
Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: 9am to 12:30pm by appointment
Sun: Closed
Woolgoolga
43 Beach Street
Woolgoolga
NSW 2456
P: (02) 6654-0650
[email protected]
Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed