Bridges
Bridges
A simple solution to fill the gap
Dental bridges (pontines) are used to cover gaps where a tooth has been completely removed or the remaining portion of tooth is too weak to carry a crown. In this case, a crown may be placed on one or both of the teeth adjacent to the gap and used to carry a false tooth to fill the gap.
Adhesive bridges are sometimes used as an alternative to traditional bridges and have ‘wings' that are bonded to the back of the supporting teeth.
Bridges can only be used if your dentist decides that the tooth or teeth used for supporting the bridge are strong enough.
Most bridges are made of porcelain bonded to precious metal although other non-precious metals can be used in the base for additional strength. A relatively new range of bridges are made entirely of a specially strong type of porcelain.
As bridges cannot be removed, you need to clean them every day to prevent problems such as gum disease and bad breath. It is important to clean under the false tooth every day. Malone Dental dentists or hygienists will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach under the false tooth on a bridge.
We recommend all our patients (and non-patients) to visit our hygienists regularly, particularly if they have bridges.
