What are dental bridges? They are actually pretty self-descriptive: they are specially designed dental apparatuses for “bridging” gaps in between your teeth and to replace one or more missing teeth.

The dental and orthodontic professionals at Clear Advantage Dental & Orthodontic Clinic Vancouver will recommend dental bridges if you have gaps in your teeth as both a convenient solution for a beautiful-looking smile and for your dental health to resolve the health challenges that teeth gaps cause.

Teeth gaps often cause cleaning problems as they create spaces for bacteria to grow and fester, which could lead to gum disease. Gaps left by missing teeth often usually lead other teeth to shift out of place or rotate, leading to further gum problems and bad bites. A bite imbalance could also create joint disorders in your jaw.

Bridges can be cemented to natural teeth, dental implants or a combination of those two things. Crowns are added to the nearby teeth or implants as support and artificial teeth are attached to the crowns to fill in the empty spaces.

There are different types of specialty bridges too in addition to traditional dental bridges. Cantilever bridges are supported by crowns on only one side of the gap in your teeth, and a Maryland bonded bridge rests on metal frameworks with wings that are bonded to the back of your existing teeth or dental implants.

Clear Advantage Dental & Orthodontic Clinic in Vancouver can consult you on what your best options are and if dental bridges are right for you.

How long do teeth bridges last?

Dental bridges are designed to be permanent fixtures, and with proper care and a regular oral-hygiene routine, they often last many years for most people. They do not need to be removed for cleaning or sleeping and they look and feel like natural teeth. Additionally, dental bridges are more durable than partial dentures, so they are a convenient, stable and aesthetically pleasing option for many customers!

What is the process for getting dental bridges?

At Clear Advantage Dental & Orthodontic Clinic Vancouver, we can prepare and place on your teeth custom-made dental bridges for you in as little as just a couple visits. We will consult with you to determine what your best options are, if dental bridges are appropriate for you, the type of dental bridge that we will construct and use and what teeth will be affected and how.

We will recommend bridges made of either porcelain or ceramic and match them to the natural colour of your teeth.

The process begins with a simple impression of your teeth so we can create the custom-sized bridge for you. After the dental bridge is constructed, we then check the bridge for fit, a correct bite and aesthetics before permanently bonding it in place.

For more information or to book an appointment to consult on dental bridges in Vancouver, contact us today!