Restorative & prosthetic dentistry
Dental bridges
Restoring function and aesthetics when one or more teeth are missing.
- What it is
Losing one or more teeth can affect appearance as well as chewing and the function of the mouth. Dental bridges are a fixed prosthetic solution for replacing missing teeth.
A bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It can be supported by neighbouring natural teeth or, depending on the case, by implants. It is made from materials chosen for the functional and aesthetic needs of each patient.
- Who it is for
Whether a bridge is suitable depends on the condition of the teeth or implants that will support it, the bite, the health of the gums and the needs of the particular case. The choice is made after a clinical assessment.
What it can offer
Function, appearance and stability.
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Chewing & speech
Replacing missing teeth can help chewing and speech work better.
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Natural appearance
Colour, shape and proportions are designed so that the restoration sits harmoniously in the rest of the smile.
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Stability
Unlike a removable restoration, a bridge stays fixed in the mouth.
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Keeping the balance
Replacing missing teeth can help maintain the position and functional balance of the remaining teeth.
The process
From assessment to final fitting.
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Assessment & design
We examine the area, the supporting teeth and the available treatment options.
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Preparation
Where the bridge is supported by natural teeth, these are prepared to receive the restoration.
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Digital impression
Where indicated, a digital scanner is used to record the mouth and design the restoration.
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Temporary bridge
A temporary bridge may be placed until the final one is complete.
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Final fitting
The final bridge is checked for fit, aesthetics and bite before it is permanently bonded.
Care
Looking after a bridge.
Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are important for keeping a bridge.
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Brush thoroughly, following your dentist’s instructions.
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Use suitable cleaning aids under the bridge and around the supporting teeth.
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Schedule regular check-ups and professional cleaning.
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Follow the individual instructions you are given at the practice.
Questions
Frequent questions
About this service.
The long-term health of the supporting teeth depends on correct design of the restoration, oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
That depends on the case and the type of restoration. There are different ways to replace a missing tooth, including restorations on implants. The right choice follows an examination.
There are different materials and treatment approaches. After assessing your case we can explain the available options and their cost.
In many cases an existing bridge can be replaced. First, the condition of the restoration and of the teeth or implants supporting it needs to be assessed.
Book an appointment.
Book an appointment so we can assess your case and discuss the available restorative options.