Missing teeth affect your smile and can also impact your ability to eat, speak, and maintain proper dental alignment. At The Port Dental Clinic in NE Calgary, we offer dental bridges as a permanent and effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge fills the gap with an artificial tooth (pontic) anchored securely by crowns placed on the natural teeth or implants surrounding the gap.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that closes the gap from missing teeth. The bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth, known as pontics, supported on either side by crowns cemented onto the adjacent healthy teeth, called abutments. These abutment teeth act like anchors, providing the necessary support to hold the bridge in place.
The pontic effectively replaces the missing tooth, and the entire bridge is fixed securely, preventing movement while restoring the appearance and function of your natural teeth. Bridges are custom-made to blend in with your surrounding teeth, ensuring they are indistinguishable from your natural smile.
The procedure is commonly used when one or more teeth are missing, and the surrounding teeth are healthy enough to support the structure. Alternatively, dental implants can serve as abutments, providing even greater stability.
Choosing to get a dental bridge in NE Calgary offers many benefits, helping you regain your smile, confidence, oral health, and quality of life.
At The Port Dental Clinic, we understand that no two patients are alike. We offer several types of dental bridges tailored to your specific needs and the condition of your surrounding teeth.
A traditional dental bridge is the most common type, used to replace one or more missing teeth by securing the pontic to crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth. These crowns are permanently cemented in place, creating a stable and reliable solution for tooth loss. Traditional bridges are suitable for patients with healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.
Ideal For: Replacing missing teeth anywhere in the mouth with healthy adjacent teeth.
Durability: Traditional bridges can last many years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
A Maryland Bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge, offers a conservative approach to tooth replacement. Instead of using crowns on the adjacent teeth, the pontic is supported by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. This option requires less alteration of the surrounding teeth and is often used to replace front teeth where aesthetics are crucial.
Ideal For: Patients looking to replace front teeth, especially if the adjacent teeth are healthy and do not require crowns.
Advantage: Minimally invasive and does not require extensive preparation of adjacent teeth.
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but relies on just one abutment tooth for support. This makes it an option when only one adjacent tooth can anchor the bridge. It is less commonly used but is effective for specific cases, such as when a tooth at the end of a row is missing.
Ideal For: Replacing a single missing tooth at the end of a row.
Consideration: Cantilever bridges can exert more pressure on the single abutment tooth, which may affect its longevity.
Implant-supported bridges are the best option for patients with multiple missing teeth or those looking for the most stable and long-lasting solution. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, and the bridge is secured onto these implants rather than relying on natural teeth. This option preserves the health of adjacent teeth and provides superior strength and durability.
Ideal For: Replacing multiple missing teeth in a row or scattered throughout the mouth.
Advantage: The implants provide a permanent and sturdy foundation for the bridge, ensuring long-term success.
Getting a dental bridge involves multiple visits to our clinic, ensuring that your bridge fits perfectly and provides optimal results.
Our dentist will examine your dental health and determine the best type of bridge for your specific needs, whether a traditional, implant-supported, or removable bridge.
If natural teeth are used as abutments, we will shape them to accommodate the crowns supporting the bridge.
Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom-fit bridge. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will protect the prepared teeth and maintain your smile.
The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where your bridge is fabricated from high-quality materials, ensuring it matches your teeth’ natural look and feel.
Once your bridge is ready, we will place it, check for a comfortable fit, and make any necessary adjustments before permanently cementing it.
After your bridge is placed, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for its longevity and the health of your surrounding teeth. Here are some essential tips for caring for your dental bridge:
Like your natural teeth, your bridge must be cleaned daily to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Special flossing tools may be recommended to clean underneath the pontic.
Regular visits to your dentist will ensure your bridge is functioning properly and allow us to detect any issues early on.
Hard foods like candy or ice can damage your bridge, while sticky foods can pull on the pontic, potentially dislodging it.
The cost of dental bridges varies depending on the type of bridge, the materials used, and whether implants are involved. At The Port Dental Clinic, we strive to provide affordable options, offering transparent pricing for procedures such as traditional, implant-supported, and removable bridges.
Number of missing teeth, type of bridge, materials used, and whether additional treatments (like implants) are required.
We work with many insurance providers and can assist you in understanding your coverage for dental bridge procedures.
If you’re considering a dental bridge in NE Calgary, schedule a consultation with The Port Dental Clinic today. Our experienced team will guide you through your options, discuss the cost of a dental bridge, and help you choose the best solution.
