Bridges

In addition to diminishing personal confidence, missing teeth can contribute to various oral health problems.

A dental bridge could be the solution, helping to preserve the function of remaining healthy teeth while simultaneously restoring the appearance of your smile.

What is a dental bridge?

Bridges are a way of anchoring dental prosthetics to remaining healthy teeth. This restorative treatment is a non-invasive way of filling gaps left by lost teeth.

Why might I need a dental bridge?

Anyone who has lost a tooth or teeth may benefit from having a dental bridge. Bridges can help to remedy a number of problems created by missing teeth such as difficulty chewing and speaking, persistent headaches, and lack of confidence.

What are the different types of dental bridge?

Dental bridges vary in style and your dentist will be able to advise on the type that is best suited to your personal needs. If you are missing just one or two teeth, you may be offered a traditional fixed bridge. For this, crowns are bonded to healthy teeth either side of a gap, thus supporting the bridge and a prosthesis.

If you only have one healthy tooth adjacent to a gap, a cantilever bridge may be suggested. This type of bridge involves just one crown being fitted to a healthy tooth to support a dental prosthesis.

A bonded bridge (also known as a Maryland bridge) is similar to a traditional bridge in that it requires two healthy teeth to be fitted. However, instead of crowns, a bonded bridge uses metal or porcelain ‘wings’ to secure a dental prosthesis.

How long can I expect a dental bridge to last?

Unlike dentures, bridges are not removable and are therefore considered a permanent solution to missing teeth. However, bridges will need replacing periodically, with most lasting between 5-15 years.