DENTAL BRIDGES AT BRISBANE SMILE BOUTIQUE

At Brisbane Smile Boutique, dental bridges are an effective solution for replacing missing or lost teeth. A bridge works by adding a false tooth or teeth (called pontics), which are suspended from the natural teeth on either side of the gap. This is achieved by creating crowns for the natural teeth adjacent to the space, which are then joined together with the false tooth or teeth to form the bridge.

A dental bridge serves multiple purposes. It not only restores the appearance of missing teeth but also supports the remaining natural teeth, helping to maintain their proper position and alignment in the bite. This is essential for overall oral health and functionality.

For individuals with a missing tooth, bridge work at Brisbane Smile Boutique could be the ideal long-term solution. It helps to prevent a cascade of dental problems that can arise from just one missing tooth. These issues include the shifting and drifting of adjacent teeth, which can lead to further complications like decay and periodontal bone loss. By opting for a dental bridge, patients can address these concerns effectively, maintaining both the health and aesthetics of their smile.

A dental bridge at Brisbane Smile Boutique is a permanent fixture in the mouth, offering a stable and enduring solution for missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, a bridge is fixed and cannot be taken out, which significantly enhances comfort and confidence for the patient. This permanence allows for unrestricted smiling, talking, and enjoyment of all types of food without the worry of the bridge moving or coming loose.

The procedure for fitting a bridge typically spans two to three appointments. During these sessions, the bridge is meticulously crafted and adjusted to ensure a perfect fit and optimal functionality.

Maintaining a dental bridge requires specific care, with the use of specialised floss, known as Superfloss, to effectively clean underneath the bridge. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also essential to maintain the health of the bridge and the surrounding teeth.

The average lifespan of a dental bridge is about 10 years. However, with careful monitoring and diligent oral hygiene, it's possible for a bridge to last even longer. This longevity is a testament to the quality of the bridge and the care provided by both the dental team and the patient.

For patients who experience tooth loss, dental implants are an alternative, particularly if the teeth adjacent to the gap are in good condition. Dental implants are a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for tooth replacement.

Process of a dental bridge at Brisbane smile boutique

The process of getting a dental bridge at Brisbane Smile Boutique is a custom-fit solution.

Here is an overview of the typical process, which includes advanced scanning technology and a lab turnaround time of 2 to 3 weeks:

1. Initial Consultation: The first step involves a detailed consultation with our dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your needs, and determine if a dental bridge is the suitable option for you.

2. Preparation of Supporting Teeth: If a dental bridge is appropriate, the next step involves preparing the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth. This preparation typically includes reshaping these teeth to ensure a proper fit for the crowns that will support the bridge.

3. Digital Scanning: Brisbane Smile Boutique uses advanced digital scanning technology to create precise images of your teeth. These scans are critical for designing a bridge that fits seamlessly with your natural teeth in both function and appearance.

4. Temporary Bridge Placement: While the permanent bridge is being crafted, a temporary bridge or crowns may be placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain the aesthetics of your smile in the aesthetic zone.

5. Lab Fabrication: The detailed scans are sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom bridge is crafted by our master ceramists, which takes about 2 to 3 weeks, during which the bridge is meticulously designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

6. Fitting of the Permanent Bridge: Once the bridge is ready, you'll return to Brisbane Smile Boutique for the fitting. The dentist will place the bridge, adjusting it as necessary to ensure a comfortable and accurate fit.

7. Final Adjustments and Cementing: After any necessary adjustments, the bridge is permanently cemented into place. This step is crucial for ensuring that the bridge is stable and functions like your natural teeth.

8. Follow-up and Care Instructions: After the procedure, you'll receive instructions on how to care for your new bridge, including proper cleaning techniques and scheduling regular dental check-ups.

Throughout this process, Brisbane Smile Boutique emphasises patient comfort and satisfaction, ensuring that each step is carried out with precision and care for the best possible outcome.

ADA Dental Item numbers and codes for Dental Crowns & Bridges

613 — Full Porcelain or Ceramic Crown
618 — Full Metal Crown (alloy cost may be additional for Gold)
643 — Ceramic Pontic (to replace a missing tooth)
672 — Ceramic Crown for a Dental Implant

The code 572 is for temporary crowns, but we INCLUDE the temporary in our prices – we do NOT charge extra for it

Disadvantages of dental bridges

Dental bridges, like any dental procedure, come with their own set of potential risks and considerations. It's important for patients to be aware of these before undergoing the treatment.

One of the primary risks associated with dental bridges is damage to the natural teeth that support the bridge. These teeth need to be prepared, which often involves removing a portion of the tooth enamel to allow for the placement of crowns. This process can sometimes lead to tooth sensitivity or even damage to the nerves, in a worst case scenario, requiring further treatment such as root canal therapy.

Another risk is the potential for decay of the anchoring teeth. Since a bridge covers the natural teeth, it can be challenging to clean around and under it. If plaque and bacteria accumulate, it can lead to decay in the supporting teeth. Proper oral hygiene, including specialised cleaning techniques like the use of Superfloss and regular professional cleanings, is crucial to minimise this risk.

Over time, a bridge may wear out or become damaged, necessitating repair or replacement. While the average lifespan of a bridge is about 10 years, this can vary based on factors like the patient's oral hygiene, the materials used, and the location of the bridge in the mouth.

Finally, there is a risk of gum disease around the bridge, particularly if oral hygiene is not maintained. This can affect not only the longevity of the bridge but also the overall health of the mouth.

Patients considering a dental bridge should discuss all these potential risks with their dentist to make an informed decision. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are key to minimising these risks and ensuring the long-term success of a dental bridge.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer several advantages for individuals looking to address missing teeth, making them a popular choice in restorative dentistry:

1. Aesthetic Improvement: Bridges provide a natural-looking solution for missing teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of the smile.

2. Functional Benefits: By filling gaps, bridges restore the ability to chew and speak properly, which can be affected by missing teeth.

3. Prevents Misalignment: Bridges help maintain the alignment of remaining teeth by preventing them from shifting into the gap left by missing teeth.

4. Durable and Long-Lasting: When properly cared for, dental bridges can last many years, providing a semi-permanent solution. It is likely that a bridge may require replacement 10-20 years after it is placed.

5. Protecting Adjacent Teeth when already heavily filled: In cases where adjacent teeth have fillings or require crowns, bridges use these teeth effectively without additional dental procedures.

6. Improved Oral Health: By restoring missing teeth, bridges can help improve overall oral health and function.

7. Boost in Confidence: Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge can significantly enhance a patient's self-esteem and comfort in social situations.

8. Quick Procedure: Compared to other dental restorative procedures like implants, bridges usually require fewer visits to the dentist and have a shorter overall treatment time, usually with a two to three week turnaround. If a tooth is immediately lost, healing of the tissues is required, with the procedure taking a few months.

9. Cost-Effective: Generally, bridges are more economical than dental implants, making them a viable option for a wider range of patients.

10. Ease of Adaptation: Many patients find it easier to adapt to dental bridges compared to other tooth replacement options, as they feel natural in the mouth.

While dental bridges have these benefits, it's important for patients to consider their specific dental needs and consult with their dentist to determine if a bridge is the best solution for them.

Risks

Undergoing any invasive or surgical dental procedure, including those offered at Brisbane Smile Boutique, inherently involves certain risks. It is crucial for patients to understand these risks and consider seeking a second opinion from another qualified health practitioner before proceeding with treatment.

At Brisbane Smile Boutique, the commitment to patient safety and informed decision-making is paramount. Patients are required to undergo a comprehensive dental examination and consultation appointment. This process ensures that they are suitable candidates for the proposed procedures and that they fully understand all aspects of the treatment, including potential risks and outcomes.

The photos displayed on the Brisbane Smile Boutique website are of actual patients treated by Dr. Leila Haywood. While these images serve as a general representation of the treatment outcomes, it is important to note that individual results can vary significantly. This variation underscores the fact that no single dental treatment is universally suitable for every patient.

Dentists at Brisbane Smile Boutique are dedicated to providing care that is specifically tailored to the needs and circumstances of each individual patient. This personalised approach ensures that only suitable treatments are recommended and performed, aligning with the highest standards of dental care and patient safety.