Teeth fall out for a variety of reasons, such as decay and injury. If you’re ever unlucky enough to lose a tooth, then you’ll probably want to replace it. There’s three ways to replace missing teeth: dentures, implants and bridges. Of these three, bridges are the “middle ground”. They’re cheaper than implants but more comfortable than dentures.
Like implants and dentures, a dental bridge is basically a fake tooth. But what distinguishes it from an implant and dentures is the way it attaches to your mouth. Attached to the fake tooth are two crowns, which are hollow and fit snugly over your real teeth. These crowns will hold the fake tooth in place. In some cases, the dentist will actually cement the crowns onto your real teeth to prevent them from moving around.
If all that seems like a lot just to replace a missing tooth, then you might want to consider an alternative: implants. An implant is fake tooth that the dentist attaches directly to your jaw. Implants are stronger than bridges and usually last longer too. However, the catch is that they’re more expensive. Here at Headstone Lane Dental, we provide bridges from £750 (depending on the material we use) and implants from £1,300.
If have a missing tooth, then you might not see the importance of getting it replaced. You might have even become used to the feeling of having a gap in your teeth. However, there are numerous advantages to filling that gap:
Getting a bridge requires at least two visits to the dentist.
At your initial consultation, one of our dentists will discuss your case with you. The dentist will also create a mold of your teeth and then send it to a laboratory, who will use the mold to make your bridge.
On the next visit, the dentist will give you a local anaesthetic and then fit the bridge into place. The way the bridge attaches to your teeth will depend on the type of bridge. With traditional bridges, the bridge is cemented to your teeth, whereas with a Maryland bridge, the bridge is fixed into place with a metal or porcelain wing.
After the procedure, your bridge should immediately feel comfortable in your mouth. You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Your bridge will feel just like a normal tooth. Furthermore, bridges often last ten years or longer. However, you will need to maintain a good dental hygiene routine, consisting of regular visits to the dentist, brushing twice a day, and flossing once a day. Ensure that you floss particularly well under the fake tooth as food can sometimes get stuck under it.
Make an appointment with one of our friendly dentists to find out more about bridges. Our dentists Dr. Gulamhusein, Dr. Sumar, Dr. Hassan and Dr. Ladak will be more than happy to answer your questions.
We’re here to stay and don’t plan on going anywhere. We’re committed to looking after the smiles in Harrow.
A well rounded dental team that can cope with a wide variety of general and cosmetic dental treatments.
A range of general and cosmetic treatments including dental implants, invisible braces and dermal fillers.
Patient satisfaction is our priority, we’re committed to keep everyone who visits our practice smiling long-term.