Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth. It fills the gap using an artificial tooth supported by natural teeth or dental implants.

Unlike a removable denture, a bridge is secured in place and cannot normally be taken out by the patient. It may help restore your smile, improve chewing and support a more stable bite.

At Azure Dental Practice, bridge treatment begins with a full assessment of your teeth, gums and bite. Your dentist will explain the available options and recommend the most suitable treatment for your individual needs.

Why replace a missing tooth?

A missing tooth may affect more than the appearance of your smile. Depending on its position, it can make eating or speaking more difficult.

The teeth around an untreated gap may gradually move or tilt into the available space. This can alter the bite and may make replacement more complicated later. However, not every gap must be replaced, and leaving it untreated may be a reasonable option in some cases.

Your dentist will discuss the likely benefits and limitations of treatment before you decide how to proceed.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge usually consists of:

• One or more artificial replacement teeth
• A supporting crown, framework or attachment
• Natural teeth or dental implants used to hold the bridge securely

The replacement tooth is designed to complement the shape and colour of your existing teeth.

The most suitable design depends on the position of the gap, the condition of the surrounding teeth, your bite and the number of teeth being replaced.

Types of dental bridge

Conventional bridge

A conventional bridge is supported by crowns fitted over one or more teeth next to the gap.

The supporting teeth are carefully prepared by removing some of their outer structure. Crowns are then fitted over them, with the replacement tooth connected between or beside the crowns.

This type of bridge can provide strong support, particularly when the supporting teeth already contain large fillings or would benefit from crowns.

Adhesive bridge

An adhesive bridge, sometimes called a resin-retained or Maryland bridge, uses a metal or ceramic wing bonded to the back of a neighbouring tooth.

It normally requires much less preparation of the supporting tooth than a conventional bridge.

Adhesive bridges are often used to replace a single missing tooth, particularly near the front of the mouth. They may not be suitable where heavy biting forces are expected.

Cantilever bridge

A cantilever bridge is supported from only one side of the gap.

This design is used selectively because the supporting tooth carries additional pressure. Your dentist will assess whether it is appropriate for the position of the missing tooth and your bite.

Implant-supported bridge

Where several teeth are missing, a bridge may sometimes be supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth.

Implants are placed into the jawbone and act as anchors for the bridge. This avoids preparing healthy neighbouring teeth but involves surgery and requires a separate implant assessment.

Benefits of dental bridges

A dental bridge may:

• Replace one or more missing teeth
• Improve the appearance of your smile
• Make chewing more comfortable
• Help restore speech affected by a missing tooth
• Provide a fixed alternative to a removable denture
• Help maintain the position of nearby teeth
• Restore the shape and function of your bite

The result depends on the health of the supporting teeth and gums, the bridge design and how well it is maintained.

Who may be suitable for a bridge?

Bridge treatment may be considered when:

• One or more teeth are missing
• The supporting teeth are strong enough
• The gums are healthy
• Tooth decay and gum disease are under control
• There is enough space for a natural-looking replacement
• Your bite can safely support the bridge
• You can clean underneath and around it effectively

A bridge may not be recommended if the supporting teeth are weak, heavily decayed, loose or affected by advanced gum disease.

Your bridge consultation

Your dentist will examine your mouth and discuss how the missing tooth affects you.

The assessment may include:

• Examination of your remaining teeth and gums
• Dental X-rays
• Evaluation of the supporting teeth
• Assessment of your bite
• Impressions or digital scans
• Discussion of the bridge material and appearance
• Review of alternative treatments

You will receive a personalised treatment plan before treatment begins.

How is a conventional bridge fitted?

Preparing the supporting teeth

The teeth supporting the bridge are numbed with local anaesthetic and carefully reshaped.

A small amount of the outer tooth structure is removed to create enough space for the supporting crowns.

Taking impressions or scans

An impression or digital scan is taken so the bridge can be made to fit accurately.

The shade of the replacement tooth is selected to complement your natural teeth.

Temporary bridge

A temporary bridge may be fitted to protect the prepared teeth while the final restoration is being made.

Temporary restorations are not as strong as the finished bridge, so you may be advised to avoid hard or sticky foods.

Fitting the final bridge

At the next appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and the final restoration is checked.

Your dentist will assess its:

• Fit
• Shape
• Colour
• Contact with neighbouring teeth
• Effect on your bite

Once you and your dentist are satisfied, the bridge is bonded or cemented securely into place.

How is an adhesive bridge fitted?

The supporting tooth normally requires little or no drilling.

The back surface of the tooth is prepared, and the bridge wing is bonded securely using dental adhesive.

An adhesive bridge may occasionally loosen or become detached. In some cases, it can be cleaned and rebonded if it remains undamaged.

Will bridge treatment hurt?

Local anaesthetic is normally used when supporting teeth need to be prepared.

You may feel pressure or vibration during treatment, but you should not usually experience sharp pain.

The prepared teeth may feel temporarily sensitive after treatment, especially to hot or cold temperatures. Contact the practice if sensitivity is severe, persists or becomes worse.

Caring for a dental bridge

A bridge must be cleaned carefully every day. Plaque and food can collect around the supporting teeth and underneath the replacement tooth.

To care for your bridge:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean underneath the replacement tooth every day
• Use floss threaders, bridge floss or interdental brushes as advised
• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Attend regular dental examinations
• Attend hygiene appointments when recommended
• Avoid biting very hard objects
• Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth

Your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate how to clean beneath the bridge effectively.

How long does a dental bridge last?

A bridge can last for many years, but its lifespan varies.

Factors that influence how long it lasts include:

• The health of the supporting teeth
• Gum health
• Oral hygiene
• The position and size of the bridge
• Biting pressure
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Diet
• Regular dental maintenance

The artificial tooth cannot decay, but the natural supporting teeth can still develop decay or gum disease.

Risks and considerations

Possible problems associated with bridge treatment include:

• Tooth sensitivity following preparation
• Decay developing around the supporting teeth
• Gum inflammation
• The bridge becoming loose
• Chipping or fracture of the bridge material
• Failure of an adhesive wing
• Problems with the nerve inside a supporting tooth
• Difficulty cleaning beneath the bridge
• The need for repair or replacement

Preparing healthy teeth for a conventional bridge is irreversible because some natural tooth structure must be removed.

Your dentist will explain the risks relevant to your individual treatment.

What happens if a bridge becomes loose?

Do not continue chewing heavily on a loose bridge or attempt to glue it back yourself.

Contact Azure Dental Practice so the bridge and supporting teeth can be examined. A loose or broken bridge may require urgent dental assessment, particularly if it is causing pain or affecting normal function.

Depending on its condition, the bridge may be:

• Recemented
• Rebonded
• Repaired
• Replaced
• Removed while the supporting teeth are treated

Alternatives to a dental bridge

Dental implant

An implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a crown or bridge. It does not normally require neighbouring teeth to be prepared but involves surgery and a healing period.

Partial denture

A removable partial denture can replace one or more missing teeth and may be suitable when several gaps are present.

Orthodontic treatment

In selected cases, braces or clear aligners may be used to close or redistribute the space.

Leaving the gap

Some gaps can be left untreated if they do not affect appearance, comfort or function. Your dentist will explain whether nearby teeth are likely to move and whether leaving the space may create future problems.

NHS and private bridge treatment

Dental bridges may be available through NHS dentistry when clinically necessary. Private treatment may provide additional choices of materials, appearance or treatment design.

Availability depends on your clinical needs and the options offered by the practice. Your dentist will explain whether the proposed treatment is available privately, through the NHS or through either route.

Book a consultation for missing teeth

A dental bridge may provide a secure and natural-looking way to replace a missing tooth without using a removable denture.

Contact Azure Dental Practice to arrange an assessment and discuss bridges, dentures, dental implants and other suitable options for replacing missing teeth.