With specialisation comes expertise
Tooth supported bridgework
What is a tooth supported bridge?
Traditionally, a bridge is fixed to adjacent teeth and depends on those teeth for support.
Why use a tooth supported bridge?
A bridge is a possible treatment option where there is one or more teeth missing leaving a small/medium sized gap and the adjacent teeth are strong and have good bone support.
Before implants were available, bridges were the only fixed solution to replace teeth. Today, implants are generally the treatment of choice in the majority of cases unless implant treatment is not straightforward or the patient does not want to have implant surgery.
What are the advantages of a tooth supported bridge?
Bridges are fixed prosthesis shaped like teeth. They can look and feel very natural. There is no surgery required and the treatment time is shorter than for an implant. They are also usually cheaper than implants.
A 6 tooth conventional tooth supported bridge
Adhesive Bridgework
An adhesive bridge to replace two missing back teeth in the lower jaw
What is an adhesive bridge?
An adhesive bridge involves fixing a false tooth to the adjacent tooth or teeth using metal wings that are bonded on to the back of these teeth.
What are the advantges with adhesive bridgework?
The main advantage of an adhesive bridge is that it is fixed in position and does not cover the roof of your mouth. Also, unlike a conventional bridge, no preparation of the supporting teeth is required and thus it can be looked upon as a reversible treatment option.
What are the disadvantages of adhesive bridgework?
The main disadvantage of an adhesive bridge is that it may occasionally debond. This means that there may be a chance that the bridge becomes uncemented and dislodges from the adjacent teeth. Although the bridge can be recemented this may cause inconvenience.