Bridges

Missing teeth can affect oral health and diminish personal confidence.

A dental bridge helps to restore the aesthetics of your smile while preserving the health and function of your remaining natural teeth.

What is a dental bridge?

A bridge is a restorative dental treatment. Bridges work to anchor dental prosthetics and fill in any gaps left by lost teeth.

Are there different types of dental bridges?

Several different types of bridges exist and your dentist will advise on the variety which is best suited to your personal needs. Patients missing one or two teeth may be offered a traditional bridge. This type of bridge is the most common and uses crowns that are bonded to natural teeth on either side of the gap. A dental prosthesis is then placed in between.

Conversely, where only one healthy tooth borders the gap, a cantilever bridge may be employed. This involves just one crown being bonded to a healthy natural tooth to support a false tooth or teeth.

The bonded bridge — or Maryland bridge, as it is also sometimes referred to — is similar to a traditional bridge in that it also requires a natural tooth to support a prosthesis. However, instead of crowns, this type of bridge uses metal or porcelain ‘wings’ to attach the replacement teeth. This type of bridge is minimally invasive and in some cases does not require any filing of your natural tooth.

What are the benefits of having a dental bridge?

The primary benefit of a dental bridge is the restoration of your smile. Alongside improving the aesthetics of your teeth, a bridge also helps to maintain the position of your healthy teeth and preserves your ability to eat and chew properly.

How long will a dental bridge last?

Bridges are a permanent solution to lost or missing teeth. Unlike dentures, they cannot be removed, however they will need to be replaced periodically. With proper care, a dental bridge can last between 5 and 15 years.