Tooth Bridge Services
Looking to restore your smile? Consider getting a professional dental bridge treatment in Singapore to replace your missing tooth or teeth and maintain optimal oral health.
What is a Tooth Bridge?
A tooth bridge, or a dental bridge, is a fixed restoration solution that fills the gap of one or more missing teeth by securing itself to the natural teeth or implants adjacent to the space. It typically consists of two or more crowns for the anchoring teeth with a false tooth or teeth in between. This arrangement creates a “bridge” across the gap, which is made from materials like porcelain or ceramics, closely mimicking the appearance and function of natural teeth.
Cost of Dental Bridge in Singapore
The cost of a dental bridge in Singapore, is usually around the cost of 3 crowns, with variations depending on the type of bridge and the materials used. You can speak to our dentists for a quotation based on your specific dental bridge needs and to guide you in making an informed decision.
Benefits of Getting a Fixed Dental Bridge
There are many ways a fixed dental bridge can help make a difference.
Restores Natural Appearance
A fixed dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, helping your smile look complete again. It’s designed to blend in with your natural teeth, giving you the confidence to interact with others comfortably. Dental veneers can also be used in conjunction with a bridge if you’re seeking further cosmetic enhancement. This combination can help create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Supports Proper Chewing
Missing teeth can make chewing more challenging and even affect your digestion and dietary habits. By restoring your bite with a fixed dental bridge, you regain the ability to chew properly, making meals more enjoyable and helping to maintain proper digestion.
Prevents Teeth Misalignment
Losing a tooth can cause nearby teeth to drift into the open space, creating misalignment over time. By filling the gap, a dental bridge helps maintain the proper positioning of your teeth, reducing the likelihood of future alignment or bite issues.
Maintains Jaw Structure
The loss of a tooth or teeth can lead to gradual bone loss in the jaw, which affects both the function and appearance of your mouth. Filling this gap with a fixed dental bridge stabilises the jaw, which helps to preserve both your facial structure and oral health.
Durable and Long-Lasting
With optimal care, a fixed dental bridge can provide a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. It’s a durable option that can benefit you for many years, allowing you to restore your dental function without frequent replacements or adjustments.
Improves Speech
When teeth are missing, it can be hard to pronounce words properly, leading to unclear speech. A tooth bridge helps close those gaps, allowing you to regain clearer pronunciation and make everyday conversations feel more effortless.
Improves Wealth
In Chinese culture, it’s believed that gaps between the front teeth can lead to their wealth leaking out from their bodies. Hence, some patients specifically request to have a dental bridge done to seal up the gaps and prevent wealth from “leaving” them.
Types of Dental Bridges in Singapore
Conventional or Traditional Bridges
Conventional bridges use crowns on the healthy teeth next to the gap to support the replacement tooth. This type is commonly used for its stability and durability. The materials used can vary, but porcelain and ceramics are the most common, helping the dental bridge blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one neighbouring tooth available to support the replacement tooth. This type of bridge is suitable for areas like the front of the mouth, where less chewing pressure is applied. However, relying on one tooth can increase strain, making it less commonly used than traditional bridges.
Maryland Bridges or Resin-Bonded Bridges
Maryland bridges, also called resin-bonded bridges, use metal or ceramic wings attached to the back of the neighbouring teeth to hold the replacement tooth in place. This minimally invasive option avoids the need for crowns, making it a common choice for front teeth. However, do note that the placement of this type of bridge is very restrictive and can only be done in patients with very low bite force.
Procedure of Getting a Fixed Dental Bridge in Singapor
There are several steps you’ll take to get a fixed dental bridge in Singapore:
1. Consultation
During your initial visit to the dental clinic, the dentist will first examine your teeth and review your overall dental health. If needed, X-rays may be taken. Based on this assessment, the dentist will determine if a dental bridge is suitable and discuss the types of bridges available based on your specific needs.
2. Preparation of Teeth
The preparatory phase for a dental bridge, typically 30 to 90 minutes, involves reshaping the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. This is done to ensure the dental crowns that will support the bridge fit properly.
To minimise discomfort, the teeth that will anchor the bridge are numbed with local anaesthesia. For patients with specific needs or preferences, options such as IV sedation or local anaesthesia can be arranged.
3. Temporary Bridge
A temporary dental bridge is then installed to protect your reshaped teeth and maintain dental function, while an impression of your bridge is taken to the dental laboratory to craft the permanent bridge.
4. Fitting the Permanent Bridge
Once the permanent dental bridge is ready, you’ll return to the dental clinic for another appointment where the temporary bridge is removed. The new bridge is then carefully adjusted to ensure an optimal fit and comfort. After properly aligning everything, the dental bridge is permanently cemented, securely anchoring it to the supporting teeth.
5. Follow-Up Care
A follow-up visit is typically scheduled shortly after the fixed dental bridge placement. This appointment allows your dentist to ensure the bridge is functioning properly and to discuss ongoing care and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Bridge
How long does it take to get a tooth bridge?
Getting a tooth bridge usually requires two visits to the dental clinic, each lasting about an hour to two hours, spanning a couple of weeks.
How long do tooth bridges last?
On average, tooth bridges typically last between 7 to 15 years. However, this may depend on the care they receive and the materials used in their construction.
Does getting a tooth bridge cause discomfort?
Getting a fixed dental bridge causes minimal discomfort, as local anaesthesia is applied to numb your gums before the tooth bridge installation begins.
Can a tooth bridge be repaired or replaced?
In most cases, yes, a tooth bridge can be repaired if it experiences minor damage like small cracks. For more serious damage, your dentist may recommend replacing the bridge entirely.
How do I care for my tooth bridge?
To care for your tooth bridge, brush and floss daily, especially around the bridge area. Additionally, use a bridge floss threader to clean under the bridge, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.