Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Bridges in Edmonton
Are you missing one or more teeth? If so, you’re not alone—and there are effective solutions available to restore both your smile and your oral function. At Heritage Dental Centre in Edmonton, we offer dental bridges as a reliable and natural-looking option to replace missing teeth and help you regain your confidence.
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that literally “bridge the gap” left by one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) anchored in place by the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth, known as abutments, are typically covered with crowns to hold the bridge securely in place.
Why Consider a Dental Bridge?
Replacing missing teeth isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s essential for your overall oral health. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift out of position, leading to bite misalignment, jaw pain, and even additional tooth loss over time. Gaps in your smile can also make it difficult to chew food properly or speak clearly.
A dental bridge helps to:
- Restore your smile and facial structure
- Improve your ability to chew and speak
- Maintain the alignment of your surrounding teeth
- Distribute bite forces evenly across your teeth
- Prevent excessive wear on remaining natural teeth
At Heritage Dental Centre, we tailor each dental bridge to match the shape, size, and shade of your natural teeth, ensuring a comfortable and seamless fit.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are a few different types of dental bridges, and we’ll help determine which one best suits your needs:
- Traditional Bridge: The most common type, anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: Used when there is only one adjacent tooth to support the bridge.
- Maryland Bridge: Uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth; often used for front teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, offering exceptional stability and longevity.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments. During your first visit, we will prepare the abutment teeth by shaping them for crown placement. We’ll take detailed impressions to ensure a precise fit and provide a temporary bridge to wear while your custom bridge is being made.
Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return for placement. We’ll ensure the fit is perfect, make any necessary adjustments, and cement it into place. With proper care, a dental bridge can last many years and restore full function to your smile.
Caring for Your Bridge
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to keep your bridge and surrounding teeth healthy. Brush and floss daily, and use floss threaders or special brushes to clean around the bridge. Regular dental checkups will also help extend the life of your restoration.
If you’re missing teeth and want to explore whether a dental bridge is right for you, contact Heritage Dental Centre in Edmonton today. We’ll walk you through the options and help restore your smile with a solution that feels as good as it looks.
