Bridges in SW Calgary

Visit us in Chinook Professional Building within CF Chinook Mall for dental bridge solutions. Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your life, changing your speech, your eating habits, and even your facial structure.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is designed to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is typically made up of an artificial tooth fused between two crowns. The bridge is held firmly in place by your crowned teeth on each side of the missing one or by dental implants.

There are different types of bridges. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate one for you based on the condition of your dental health.

How Are Bridges Done?

Preparing a dental bridge is a multi-step process.

Step 1: Preparing Your Teeth or Inserting Your Dental Implants

If you have healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth, then your dentist will begin the procedure by filing those teeth down to accommodate the bridge.

If you do not have healthy teeth to support your bridge, then your dentist will use dental implants to support your bridge. A dental implant consists of a titanium post, which is inserted into your jawbone to replace the root of your natural tooth. The dental implants are used to anchor your bridge in place.

Step 2: Creating a Custom Model

Once your teeth have been filed down, or your dental implants have been inserted, your dentist will make a model of your teeth using impressions. The impressions are used to create the bridge.

Step 3: Placing the Temporary Bridge

A temporary bridge is used to protect the prepared teeth while a dental laboratory makes your custom made bridge. This process typically takes two weeks

Step 4: Bonding Your Custom Bridge

At your second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and bond the custom bridge to your teeth. To do this, they will either cement your bridge to the two natural teeth that will support the bridge or affix your bridge to your dental implants.

Caring for Your Bridges

Just like your natural teeth, you should be brushing your bridge at least twice per day and flossing at least once per day. However, unlike your natural teeth, you will need to floss under and around the artificial tooth or teeth in the middle of your bridge in order to ensure that you are removing any food or other debris. Your dentist will teach you how to use a special floss threader to floss under and around your bridge correctly.

Regular dental exams and cleanings are also critical for keeping your bridge in good shape.