How long do dental bridges last?

If bridges are well looked after, and that includes keeping the surrounding teeth healthy so they can continue to provide a solid foundation, they should last for over ten years.

Are there any alternatives to bridges for replacing missing teeth?

The main alternatives to bridges for replacing missing teeth are partial dentures and dental implants. Bridges are seen as a more secure alternative to partial dentures, as they are fixed into place and will not move or slip. Implants are seen as superior in durability and aesthetics but are more expensive. Bridges can be used in combination with implants to replace more than one missing tooth.

How do I look after my bridge?

You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.

What are bridges made from?

Dental bridges are typically made from porcelain fused to a metal base or from all-ceramic for a beautifully aesthetic finish.

Which type of dental bridge do I need?

There are many ways to create a dental bridge. During your initial consultation, your dentist will assess your case and recommend the safest and most suitable option for your mouth. Please talk to us to book your appointment today!

Dental Bridges

Fill the gap in your smile with a natural-looking bridge

Missing teeth can affect your confidence and the way you eat, speak and feel. Whether you have lost a tooth through trauma, an accident or an extraction, we can use a dental bridge to reliably fill the gap in your smile. We use the teeth on either side of the gap to support the replacement teeth, which acts as a bridge between them. Spread your bite evenly, keep your teeth aligned and enjoy a beautiful and functional smile once more!

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Why have a bridge?

It is important to replace missing teeth in your smile, not just because it can really affect confidence. Teeth next to a gap are more susceptible to breaking and moving, so replacing a missing tooth prevents the remaining ones from shifting out of position and causing alignment issues. It also protects the otherwise vulnerable gums.

Bridges are a more secure alternative to partial dentures as they are fixed. We can also use a bridge in combination with implants to replace more than one missing tooth.

What does the treatment involve?

We begin your treatment with an initial consultation to ensure you are suitable for a dental bridge, including making sure that the teeth that will support the bridge are healthy and strong. These teeth are then prepared by removing a layer of enamel.

We take impressions of the prepared teeth, which are sent to a dental laboratory to create your bridge. While we wait for your custom bridge to be made, we provide you with a temporary one to protect the exposed teeth.

When it is ready, we check your bridge, making sure it fits perfectly and making any small adjustments if necessary. Your bridge is finally fixed in place with strong dental cement.

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Types of dental bridges

Conventional bridges

A conventional bridge uses crowns placed over the teeth on either side of the gap as support. These teeth, known as abutment teeth, need to be prepared and often require some enamel to be removed. The replacement tooth, also called a pontic, is attached to bridge the gap and complete your smile.

Adhesive (Maryland) bridges

Adhesive bridges require virtually no drilling of the teeth on either side of the gap to be filled. They can be made with metal or ceramic wings (brackets), which are glued to hold the false tooth securely in place. They work best when the teeth next to the gap are healthy and strong. Adhesive bridges are simple and cost-effective, but they are not suitable for filling every gap.