Bridges

Using dental bridges, we can help repair a smile with a missing tooth or teeth which can damage your confidence and affect your overall oral health.

Dental bridges are one of the most popular and common ways to replace missing teeth. Presenting a cost-effective option for patients, bridges are designed to fill in gaps in the mouth by using surrounding healthy teeth as support. There are several different bridge types available to patients, and we’ll be able to help find the one that suits your situation most appropriately.

What is a bridge?

Bridges are used to fill in gaps left by missing teeth. They can be used to replace just one or multiple teeth and are made up of prosthetic teeth and a support structure that is then applied to neighbouring teeth.

What types of bridges are available?

Traditional/conventional bridge

The most commonly placed bridge is often used to replace two or more teeth at once and uses crowns applied to both neighbouring healthy teeth to anchor the bridge in place.

Cantilever bridge

Often used when only one missing tooth needs replacement, cantilever bridges require just one healthy neighbouring tooth as support and also use a crown to anchor the bridge in place.

Maryland/bonded bridge

Instead of using crowns to anchor the prosthesis in place, Maryland or bonded bridges as they’re known, use a metal or porcelain frame which is then attached to both neighbouring healthy teeth as support. This is a more minimally invasive option, as it doesn’t require the application of a crown or crowns, meaning the natural support teeth do not have to be affected or filed down for placement.

How long do bridges last?

Bridges usually last between 5-15 years, depending on how well they are taken care of. They are a permanent solution to the issue of missing teeth, but they will require periodic replacement.

What are the alternatives to a bridge?

Other replacement options include dentures and implants.