Missing Teeth
Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges in Brighton
What is a dental bridge about?
When a tooth is missing due to loss or extraction, the surrounding and antagonistic teeth often shift often within very short periods of time. This change in tooth position can cause problems with the bite or gums that can be expensive and time-consuming to correct later. It is wise therefore to consider replacement of a missing tooth quickly as possible. Sometimes the bite may remain stable even after the loss of teeth and in these situations your dentist may advise that you could leave the space if it is not an aesthetic problem for you.
A single or multiple missing may be replaced by the fabrication of a fixed bridge. Teeth either side of the space can be used to anchor the bridge either with some preparation of these teeth or occasionally no preparation at all. Alternatives to bridgework include removable bridges or dentures, dental implants and of-course to leave the space. In most situations these days an implant is the treatment of choice where possible as it is very predictable, does not involve any damage to adjacent teeth, and will last many years if looked after. Removable bridges or dentures are less ideal as they can promote collection of plaque and food debris around the adjacent teeth, but all these solutions have their place in the appropriate situation. Your dentist will always advise and discuss all the alternatives available to you.
There are two types of bridge that are available, they are discussed below and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each listed. Dental implants are also briefly discussed as they are an alternative to bridging, however for fuller information on implants please select the Dental Implants option from the main menu above.
What are dental implants?
This would involve cutting teeth adjacent to the gap down to receive a crown. The bridge consists of two crowns and the replacement tooth all in one metal/porcelain unit.
Advantages
This will provide you with an excellent aesthetic result and good long-term prognosis.
Disadvantages
The preparation will involve drilling on healthy tooth tissue that otherwise would not need to have anything done to it.
Adhesive/Maryland bridge
This consists of the replacement tooth stuck onto the back of the teeth adjacent to the gap.
Advantages
The preparation will involve very little or even no reduction of teeth.
Disadvantages
The bridge is likely to require re-bonding periodically when it comes off at some stage. The aesthetic result can also be compromised with this type of restoration sometimes.
Implant option
The space can be restored with a dental implant. Information on implants can be found in the implant section of the website;leaflets and further information in relation to this treatment can also be requested from the practice.
Advantages
This option requires no preparation of the teeth, it can give very good aesthetic results and the long-term prognosis is very good.
Disadvantages
This option initially requires a greater financial commitment and surgical treatment.
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Patient
Testimonials
The whole team are wonderful.
“I have been coming to Brighton Dental Clinic to see Dr Lynsey Crothers for a number of years. I have always found her to be calm, kind, patient, thorough and truthful. I recently had some restorative/cosmetic work and I am over the moon with it and people have commented on my teeth/smile. She is a perfectionist and very skilled - I can't believe the difference. I would 100% recommend. The whole team are wonderful.”
Rebecca Santos
25 January 2023
Amazing team, very professional!
“There are absolutely no words to describe how amazingly thankful I am to everyone at the Brighton Dental Clinic. Thank you, Dr Ilias and Dr Lynsey, for all the support and help I have received over the last few weeks. I definitely recommend the clinic.”
Mihaela Popa
16 August 2022
Simply The Best
“I have been attending this clinic since the 80's. I suffer (or did) from dentophobia. I'm more or less coming to the end of my treatment as I'm now everyone's 'gum chum' (big full denture smile) and it's given me cause to reflect on the treatment I've had over the decades mainly Feroz Jafferji in the early days and latterly Mick Fillery. Not only the dental treatment but for me the tailormade treatment considering my fear and also physical problems which all needed to be catered for before treatment even started. I felt soothed on a psychological level but a physical one too and the gentle reassuring and expert treatment then given has been second to none and if I had all my teeth again (my fault they all had to go over the years to the tooth fairy due to my neglect) I wouldn't hesitate in seeing Mick and if I knew then what I know now I would never have had a fear of going. Thanks too to all the nurses and receptionists always so helpful pleasant and kind. I guess when my treatment, for a probably final denture, is complete, I will leave with a designer smile of relief but a little cavity in my heart that can never be expertly filled.”
Shelley Phoenix
20 April 2022
