How Oral Bridges Are Attached

The Teeth Are Prepared First

Before the bridge goes on the dentist checks the teeth that will support it. They need to be strong enough to handle the pressure from biting. If one of those teeth has decay or another problem that needs attention first.

For a bridge a small amount of enamel is removed from the supporting teeth. This creates room for the crowns that will sit over them. It sounds more dramatic than it feels for people especially because the area is numbed beforehand.

Getting the Fit Right

Once the teeth are prepared the dentist takes an impression or a digital scan of your mouth. That information goes to the laboratory, where the permanent bridge is made to match the space.

Fit matters a lot. The bridge needs to sit against the gums without pressing into them while the replacement tooth needs to meet the opposing teeth correctly when you bite. A bridge that feels slightly wrong can become very noticeable when you’re eating.

How the Permanent Bridge Is Attached

At the appointment the dentist first places the bridge without permanently fixing it. This is the checking stage. They look at how it sits how your bite. Whether the shape works with the surrounding teeth.

The cement creates a bond between the crowns and the supporting teeth. After the excess cement is cleaned away the dentist checks your bite again. You shouldn’t feel as though one tooth is hitting first every time you close your mouth.

What About Types of Bridges?

Not every oral bridge attaches in the same way. A Maryland bridge for example uses a metal or tooth-coloured framework that bonds to the back of teeth instead of covering them with full crowns.

Implant-supported bridges work differently again. The bridge attaches to implants rather than natural teeth. Because the implants sit in the jawbone they provide support without relying on teeth.

Then there’s the cantilever bridge, which uses support from teeth on one side of the gap. Its suited to situations rather than being a universal replacement for a missing tooth.

What It Feels Like After Attachment

Some sensitivity around the prepared teeth is normal after fitting. Your gums may also feel a tender at first. This usually settles as your mouth gets used to the restoration.

• The bridge should feel secure than loose. If it moves when you bite don’t ignore it because something needs checking.

• A little tenderness around the gums is fairly ordinary after fitting during the first few days.

• Your bite deserves attention too. If one area keeps hitting before everything tell your dentist.

• Cleaning underneath the replacement tooth takes some practice. Once you get the technique down it becomes routine.

So How Long Does the Attachment Take?

The actual cementing of a bridge is usually a fairly short appointment. Most of the work has already happened during preparation and the making of the bridge.

What matters more is the fit. The dentist isn’t simply sticking a replacement tooth into a gap. Hoping for the best. The bridge is designed to work with your bite and use the surrounding teeth for support.

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