Replacing an Old Bridge Can Transform Your Smile!

While ideally we’d all maintain all of our natural teeth for our entire lives, unfortunately sometimes accidents happen or other issues occur that can result in a missing tooth. Before dental implants were an option, traditional bridgework was the only viable way to replace a missing tooth, and unfortunately this technique was not as natural-looking as most of us would want. Luckily, dentistry has advanced greatly over the years!

The shortcomings of traditional bridgework.

Traditional bridgework was fabricated with a metal framework, then porcelain was applied onto this framework in an attempt to mimic tooth colouration. Although there are still many labs and clinics that use this method, this type of restoration often has an underlying grey hue or shows areas of silver or black. Especially when the missing tooth is in a more visible location, this discolouration doesn’t present a natural and esthetic result.

In the case seen here, Dr. Mollot’s patient – now in middle-age – had lost a front tooth as a teen. With new techniques available today, she was a prime candidate for an upgrade! 

Digital dentistry and our onsite lab created a dramatic transformation!
We’re proud to offer the latest in digital dentistry technology and techniques in our Winnipeg dental clinic, which means replacing older mechanical or electrical tools with computer-controlled components for many dental procedures. The result is dentistry that is not only more sophisticated, accurate, and esthetic, but also a faster and more comfortable experience for the patient. 

Using digital dentistry, we were able to fabricate a much more advanced bridge using a very strong material called zirconia, which is naturally tooth-coloured. First, the patient’s mouth, including the original restoration, was scanned using 3D scanning technology in our clinic, and the scans were digitally transferred to our onsite lab. Next, the new bridge was designed in our lab using Computer Assisted Design (CAD) technology for a perfect fit. The bridge was then fabricated using our 3D printer and robotic mill (see our scanner and mill in action here) and characterized to match the restoration to the patient’s natural tooth colour and look.

Dr. Mollot and his team removed the patient’s metal-based bridge and replaced it with the new, much more esthetic and advanced, restoration. On delivery day, the restoration was further characterized by our onsite team to make sure it was perfect.

Do you want to improve your smile?

Maybe it’s a missing tooth, an old filling or restoration, or a desire to whiten your teeth – no matter what is keeping you from feeling great about your smile, we can help. Book a consultation here!