Dental Bridges In Scarborough, ON

A bridge is a natural-looking dental appliance used to “bridge” the gap between missing teeth. A dental bridge serves a variety of functions including improving the appearance of your smile, restoring the ability to chew and speak, maintaining the shape of your face, and preventing teeth from moving out of position. Custom-made bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.

Bridges are custom-made in a laboratory to fit your unique smile, and are usually fabricated from porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia or pure porcelain, depending on the teeth and its function. All 3 materials are very strong, stain-resistant and extremely durable. 

Creating A Bridge

A bridge is used to “bridge” the gap between missing teeth by using connected "crowns" to span the space. This usually requires at least three crowns. 

Two crowns are placed over the teeth or implant(s) on either side of the missing tooth. These two crowned abutment teeth act as the support for a middle crown (pontic) placed between the two abutments. Multiple missing teeth will require an increasing number of crowns both to act as abutments and to bridge the gap in between the abutment teeth.

Engineering and designing of the bridge requires an understanding of how to replace teeth, as well as the biology of the supporting gum and bone tissue.

Your Bridge Procedure

Your bridge procedure typically takes two visits to complete.

At your first visit, we’ll work with you in selecting the color and shade of your new bridge to match beautifully with your adjacent teeth. We’ll then prepare and shape your teeth to make the bridge. After taking an impression of your teeth, we’ll fit you with a temporary bridge while your permanent one is being fabricated, which usually takes approximately 2 weeks.

At your second visit, after removing the temporary bridge, your new bridge will be fitted properly and then bonded to your teeth. We’ll make any adjustments necessary to ensure your bite is balanced and feels comfortable. Welcome to your new smile!

Caring for Your Bridge

Bridges require the same conscientious care as your natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss between all of your teeth every day to reduce the buildup of plaque or collection of debris around the bridge. When you have bridgework, it is even more important to maintain your regular cleanings at your dental office.

Certain behaviors can significantly shorten the life of a bridge. Long-term teeth grinding can damage the bridge, which can be prevented by wearing a nightguard during sleep. Biting on hard foods such as nuts, bones, ice or hard candy can compromise the bridge's adhesion, or even chip it. With proper care, a good quality bridge can last up to 10 -15 years or longer.

If you are dealing with tooth loss and extensive decay,
call our Scarborough, Toronto, ON office at (416) 321-9500
to learn more about how a dental bridge can help you!