What is an Adhesive Bridge?

Bridges are used in the dental industry to replace missing teeth in a permanent fashion; they are moulded plastic devices that are fitted into the mouth using metal clasps, which clip onto neighbouring teeth. Adhesive bridges also use strong dental glue to hold them in place, to make sure they are secure in the mouth. All types of bridges use the surrounding healthy teeth to hold the device firmly, using their strength as an anchor to create a natural-looking, functional tooth. Appliances like this are very versatile, and can be used for lots of patients who have a few spaces that they want filling, but don’t need all their teeth removing.

How are adhesive bridges used?

It might seem that bridges are simply aesthetic in nature and while that is one aspect of their performance, they also provide much more.

Preventing orthodontic problems – Spaces that are left untreated for a long period of time will eventually start to affect the rest of the teeth, by changing the pressure distribution in the mouth and altering the chewing pattern. This might not seem like a big problem, but over time the teeth will start to change position, and possibly become weaker as a result of their heavier workload. Missing molars can cause jaw re-alignment, and spaces further forward can cause the front teeth to become crowded or to protrude at an undesirable angle. A simple adhesive bridge is a great way to invest in your teeth, they don’t come for free, but they could save you some costly orthodontic treatment down the line.

Creating a flawless smile – Whether you have lost a tooth to decay or to some sort of accident, it can be difficult to look in the mirror every day and see a spaces and holes that shouldn’t be part of your smile; bridges can not only repair your teeth, they can give you your confidence back. It’s not a miracle cure, but it can make the world of difference, just by replacing a single tooth. Adhesive bridges are particularly useful for patients who can’t afford to have more expensive treatment, such as dental implants.

Supporting the facial muscles – You might not be aware of it but your teeth aren’t just used to bite and chew, they also play an important role in supporting the structure of your lower face. Without a jaw full of teeth, the whole shape of the face is altered; the chin begins to recede and the cheeks droop, the lips will also appear thinner. Over time, these changes can become permanent if some type of synthetic device is not used to support the facial muscles, and with no teeth at all the jaw bone can actually start to break down underneath the soft tissue – something which requires a bone graft to rectify.

Does it hurt to have an adhesive bridge fitted?

The level of surgical work required before a bridge can be fitted depends on the patients individual circumstances, i.e. whether there are any problems with gum disease or decay, how many of their natural teeth are remaining and in what condition, and whether or not any extractions are required. That said, the actual process of fitting the bridge shouldn’t be too painful;

Firstly, your dentist will have to examine your teeth carefully, in order to put together the best course of treatment for you situation, this will involve taking x-rays and impressions of your teeth, to get a good idea of what problems need to be dealt with. It’s possible that this first step could take a whole appointment to carry out, depending on what sort of state your teeth are in, but it is necessary to be patient, as the bridge has to fit perfectly if it is to function correctly. The surgeon will then send away your details, along with an outline of the type of bridge to be built, so that the dental technicians at the laboratory can manufacture the device to your specifications.

The next stage begins with re-shaping the teeth that have been identified as ‘anchors’ for the bridge to be attached to, your dentist may need to remove several sections of enamel for the device to fit comfortably. This is not a painful procedure, as you should receive local anaesthetic, but you will be able to feel the sensation of drilling as the teeth are re-modelled.

When your bridge is ready for fitting, you will be called back to the clinic to have it fixed permanently in place – this doesn’t normally require an anaesthetic, and shouldn’t take more than one appointment to complete. Before fitting the adhesive bridge into your mouth with permanent bonding agent, your dentist should clip it in place to make sure there are no adjustments to be made. You should point out if there are any parts digging into or pinching your gums, but be aware that a foreign appliance like this can take some getting used to, so don’t worry if it is slightly uncomfortable to begin with. When both you and your dentist are satisfied that the bridge fits adequately, it can be cemented permanently in place with strong adhesive. It’s perfectly normal to feel some irritation along the gum line as you become accustomed to the device, this should be temporary, but feel free to return to the surgery if your symptoms don’t alleviate after a week or so. If you think an adhesive bridge could help you with your dental problems, call the Pearl Dental Clinic today to arrange a consultation, and begin your treatment as soon as possible.

How long does and adhesive bridge last?

Adhesive bridges can perform well for up to five years, providing they are well cared for and not put under any undue pressure. They are not meant to last forever, but should provide an adequate replacement for natural teeth for a good length of time, without any problems. Just remember to clean it properly every day, and attend regular dental check-ups, so that any adjustments can be made promptly, ensuring you get the best out of your bridge.