Dental Bridges

What is a bridge?

A bridge is a fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. It spans the space where the teeth are missing.

Once it has been fitted the bridge does not need to be removed from the mouth each day,  unlike a denture.

  • Fixed Bridges: The adjacent teeth are reduced in size, similar to preparing for a crown, and a custom bridge is made to fit over these teeth with an artificial tooth filling the space.
  • Adhesive Bridges (Maryland or Resin-bonded Bridges): A custom-made artificial tooth is attached to a metal wing, which is bonded to the adjacent tooth. This method requires little to no tooth reduction compared to fixed bridges.
dental bridges bedford

Why Do I Need a Bridge?

Your dentist may recommend a bridge if you’re missing one or more teeth and want a fixed replacement. A bridge can improve your ability to chew and enhance the appearance of your smile by filling the gap with a natural-looking tooth.

All our bridges are custom-made for each individual case by a skilled dental technician to ensure an excellent fit and appearance. Your dentist will discuss treatment options with you, ensure you understand the procedure, and answer any questions. Typically, an up-to-date X-ray is needed to confirm that the roots are healthy and the foundations strong before preparing your tooth/teeth for a bridge.

How long will my bridge last?

Studies show that bridges tend to last around 10 years, although some can last longer.

There are a wide variety of factors that influence this, including:

  • The strength of the underlying tooth.
  • The health of the nerve within the tooth.
  • The position of the tooth within the mouth.
  • How much stress and strain a particular bridge is put under.
  • How well the bridge is looked after.

If you have a gap and would like to replace the space with a bridge or replace your existing bridge then book in for a new patient check up for a full assessment.

Book a consultation today!