What is a dental bridge?

 

A bridge is a fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. It’s made by taking an impression of the surrounding teeth, which will eventually support the bridge. A bridge is usually created from precious metal and porcelain and will be fixed in your mouth (unlike dentures, which can be removed).

 

Bridges are available on the NHS (band 3) and cost up to £214.

 

 

What does the process involve?

 

Having a dental bridge fitted will require at least two trips to the dentist. On the first visit the dentist will prepare the surrounding teeth for the bridge. This usually involves shaving bits off the two surrounding teeth to allow for the crowns to be placed over them. Your dentist will then take an impression of the teeth from which a custom fitted bridge will be produced in the lab. They should also consider the colour of the bridge at this point to make sure it fits naturally with your surrounding teeth. A temporary bridge will be fitted to protect the exposed teeth and gums.

 

On the second visit the bridge will be fitted. This may be an iterative process which can sometimes require several visits to the dentist to make sure the fit and your bite are correct. If you are having a permanent bridge fitted, the dentist should temporarily cement the bridge in place at first to make sure it is fitted correctly.

 

What different types of dental bridge are available?

 

There are three main types of dental bridge – the traditional fixed bridge, Maryland Bonded Bridges and Cantilever Bridges.