Dental Bridges In Pretoria: Restoring Smiles Confidently

Missing teeth can affect your confidence, oral health, and ability to chew or speak properly. 

At Every Smile Dentistry in Pretoria, we offer custom-made dental bridges to fill gaps caused by missing teeth. 

A dental bridge not only restores the appearance of your smile but also improves the function and alignment of your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy bite.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between two healthy teeth. 

The bridge consists of artificial teeth (pontics) that are anchored in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth (abutments). 

Dental bridges are a durable, long-lasting solution that provides both functional and aesthetic benefits, allowing you to smile, chew, and speak with confidence.

Types of Dental Bridges Offered at Every Smile Dentistry

We offer several types of dental bridges to suit your specific dental needs:

Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It consists of one or more artificial teeth that are held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth. 

Traditional bridges are ideal for patients with strong, healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

Cantilever Bridge

Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one adjacent tooth next to the gap. This type of bridge is supported by a single crown, making it a suitable option when only one tooth is available for anchorage.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. 

This option is less invasive than a traditional bridge, as it doesn’t require crowns on the adjacent teeth. Maryland bridges are typically used for replacing front teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

For patients missing several teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge may be the best option. 

Instead of using adjacent teeth as anchors, dental implants are placed in the jawbone to support the bridge. This option provides superior stability and durability, especially for larger gaps.

Preparing for Your Dental Bridge Appointment

1. Oral Health Check: Ensure your teeth and gums are in good condition before the procedure. Address any gum disease or cavities before getting a bridge.
2. Discuss Options: Talk to your dentist about the types of bridges available and which one suits your needs.
3. Temporary Adjustments: If you receive a temporary bridge, follow instructions on caring for it while waiting for the permanent bridge.
4. Dietary Considerations: Eat soft foods leading up to the procedure if your teeth are sensitive or require preparation.

The Dental Bridge Procedure 

At Every Smile Dentistry, we ensure that getting a dental bridge is a comfortable and efficient process. Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Consultation and Examination

Your journey begins with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. 

We will take X-rays and impressions to assess the condition of your surrounding teeth and determine the best type of bridge for your needs.

Tooth Preparation

If a traditional or cantilever bridge is recommended, the adjacent teeth will be prepared by removing a small portion of enamel to make room for the crowns. 

This step ensures that the crowns fit securely over the supporting teeth.

Impressions and Temporary Bridge

After preparing the teeth, we will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom dental bridge that fits perfectly. 

While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, we’ll place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and restore your smile.

Fitting the Permanent Bridge

Once your custom bridge is ready, we’ll remove the temporary bridge and fit the permanent one. 

Our dentist will carefully adjust the fit and bite to ensure the bridge feels comfortable and functions properly. Once everything is perfect, the bridge will be securely bonded in place.

Follow-Up Care

We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your bridge remains in excellent condition. 

Regular check-ups will allow us to monitor the health of your bridge and surrounding teeth.

Before and After: Dental Bridges

Before

• Gaps in your smile due to missing teeth.
• Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly.
• Shifting of surrounding teeth causing misalignment.
• A sagging facial appearance caused by bone loss in the jaw.

After

• A restored, full smile with natural-looking replacement teeth.
• Improved ability to chew and speak comfortably.
• Proper alignment of teeth, maintaining a healthy bite.
• Preserved facial structure and increased confidence in your smile.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer a variety of benefits, both functional and cosmetic:

1. Restores Your Smile: A dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, giving you a complete, natural-looking smile.
2. Improves Chewing and Speaking: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew properly and may affect your speech. A dental bridge restores the function of your teeth, allowing you to eat and speak with ease.
3. Maintains Tooth Alignment: When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may shift into the gap, causing misalignment and bite issues. A dental bridge prevents this from happening, maintaining the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
4. Preserves Facial Structure: Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which may cause the face to sag or appear sunken. A dental bridge helps maintain the structure of your face by supporting the surrounding teeth and jawbone.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

With proper care, dental bridges can last many years. To maintain the health and longevity of your bridge, follow these care tips:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Special floss threaders or interdental brushes may be recommended to clean around the bridge.
• Avoid Hard Foods: While bridges are durable, avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or nuts, as this can damage the bridge.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly to ensure your bridge and surrounding teeth remain in good condition.

Cost of Dental Bridges in Pretoria

The cost of dental bridges depends on the type of bridge and the number of teeth being replaced. 

Porcelain and implant-supported bridges tend to be more expensive due to their durability and aesthetic benefits. 

During your consultation, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs and discuss the best options based on your needs and budget.

Payment and Insurance Options

Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of dental bridges, especially if they are necessary for restoring function.

 At Every Smile Dentistry, we also offer flexible payment plans to make dental care more affordable. Be sure to ask about your insurance coverage during your consultation.

Why Choose Every Smile Dentistry for Dental Bridges in Pretoria?

Every Smile Dentistry is committed to providing top-quality dental care with a focus on restoring both the function and appearance of your smile. 

Our experienced team uses the latest techniques and materials to create custom dental bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. 

We take the time to understand your needs, ensuring your bridge is both durable and comfortable.