Dental bridges
A fixed, natural-looking way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile.
A fixed replacement for missing teeth.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth using a natural-looking artificial tooth that is supported by a neighbouring tooth or teeth.
Unlike a denture, a bridge is fixed in place. It can restore the gap in your smile, provide a strong surface for biting and help you feel more confident when eating, speaking and smiling.
Bridges are one of several ways of replacing missing teeth. You can also explore all of the options for replacing missing teeth .
How does a dental bridge work?
A bridge fills the space left by one or more missing teeth. The replacement tooth sits in the gap and is held in place using a neighbouring tooth or teeth for support.
There are different ways of providing this support. A conventional bridge is fitted over a prepared neighbouring tooth, while an adhesive bridge can often be attached with little or no alteration to the neighbouring tooth.
This short animation shows how a conventional dental bridge can replace a missing tooth.
Why choose a dental bridge?
For the right patient, a bridge can provide an effective and predictable way to replace one or more missing teeth without using a removable appliance.
Fixed in place
A bridge stays securely in your mouth and does not need to be removed at night.
Natural appearance
The replacement tooth is carefully designed to blend with the surrounding teeth.
Comfortable chewing
Replacing missing teeth can restore a more complete biting surface and make eating more comfortable.
No removable appliance
Bridges can be an attractive option for patients who would prefer not to wear a removable denture.
No implant surgery
A bridge may be suitable for patients who would prefer to avoid implant surgery. If you would like to compare the options, you can also learn more about dental implants .
Often quicker than implants
Bridge treatment can often be completed over a shorter period because there is no need to wait for an implant to integrate with the jawbone.
What types of dental bridge are there?
There are two main types of bridge that we commonly consider. The best design depends on the position of the missing tooth or teeth and the health and condition of the neighbouring teeth.
Conventional bridges
A conventional bridge is supported by one or more neighbouring teeth. These supporting teeth are reshaped in a similar way to teeth being prepared for crowns, and the bridge is then cemented over them.
This type of bridge can provide a strong and stable result, particularly where the neighbouring teeth already have large fillings or crowns and would benefit from being restored.
Adhesive bridges
An adhesive bridge requires either no reshaping of the neighbouring tooth or only a small amount of reshaping.
This is one of its main advantages. In many cases, a missing tooth can be replaced without significantly drilling or altering the healthy neighbouring tooth.
The replacement tooth is supported by a small metal or ceramic wing that is bonded to the back of an adjacent tooth. This makes an adhesive bridge a particularly conservative treatment because little or no healthy tooth structure needs to be removed.
Adhesive bridges are not suitable in every situation, so we'll assess the gap, your bite and the neighbouring teeth before recommending the most appropriate design.
A real bridge result
One example of how a dental bridge can restore missing teeth and create a natural-looking smile.
Before 
After A note about this case: the supporting teeth shown in the before photograph had already been extensively prepared as part of previous dental treatment before the patient came to Triangle Dental. This level of tooth preparation is not required for every bridge.
What should I consider before choosing a bridge?
Bridges can be an excellent solution, but every option has advantages and limitations. We'll always explain these clearly before you decide how you would like to proceed.
The advantages
Bridges are fixed in place, can look very natural and often require a shorter overall treatment time than dental implants .
They also avoid implant surgery and can be particularly useful when the neighbouring teeth would already benefit from crowns. Adhesive bridges can be especially conservative because little or no healthy tooth structure may need to be removed.
Things to consider
A bridge depends on the health and strength of the supporting teeth. If one of those teeth later develops decay, fracture or infection, the bridge can also be affected.
Conventional bridges require the supporting teeth to be reshaped. Adhesive bridges preserve much more of the neighbouring tooth, although they can occasionally come loose and need to be re-cemented or re-bonded.
Your dental bridge journey
The exact process depends on the type of bridge being provided, but treatment is usually straightforward and completed over a relatively small number of visits.
Assessment
We'll examine the gap, your bite and the neighbouring teeth to decide whether a bridge is a suitable option.
Treatment planning
We'll explain the most appropriate bridge design, what it involves and any alternative ways of replacing the missing tooth or teeth.
Preparing the supporting tooth
For a conventional bridge, the supporting tooth or teeth are carefully prepared. An adhesive bridge requires either no reshaping of the neighbouring tooth or only a small amount.
Creating your bridge
Detailed records are taken so your bridge can be made to fit accurately and blend naturally with the surrounding teeth.
Fitting your bridge
Once we are happy with the appearance, fit and bite, your bridge is cemented into place.
Dental bridge questions
How long does a dental bridge last?
A well-made and well-maintained dental bridge can provide many years of service. Many bridges last for 10–15 years or longer, and some remain problem-free for 20 years or more.
Reaching a certain age does not necessarily mean that the whole bridge needs to be replaced. Some continue to function well for considerably longer, while others may eventually need a repair or attention to one of the supporting teeth.
How long an individual bridge lasts depends on factors including the health of the supporting teeth and gums, oral hygiene, decay risk, your bite, clenching or grinding, the bridge design and regular dental care.
Does a dental bridge come out at night?
No. A dental bridge is fixed in your mouth and is not routinely removed by the patient.
Is having a bridge fitted painful?
Where tooth preparation is required, treatment is carried out using local anaesthetic so the area is numb. Most patients find bridge treatment very manageable.
How do I clean underneath a bridge?
The area underneath the replacement tooth needs regular cleaning. Depending on the bridge design, this may involve floss threaders, interdental brushes or other cleaning aids. We'll show you how to look after your bridge properly.
Is a bridge better than a dental implant?
Neither option is automatically better. A bridge may be preferable in some situations, while an implant may be more appropriate in others. The condition of your neighbouring teeth, available bone, treatment preferences and long-term goals all influence the decision.
You can also compare the different ways of replacing missing teeth before discussing the options with your dentist.
What happens if a dental bridge comes loose?
A bridge can occasionally come loose or detach from a supporting tooth. This does not necessarily mean that the bridge needs to be replaced.
In many cases, if the bridge and supporting teeth are otherwise healthy, the bridge can be cleaned and re-cemented or re-bonded into place.
We would first examine the bridge and the supporting teeth to understand why it has come loose and check for problems such as decay, fracture or damage to a supporting tooth. If the bridge cannot be reused, we'll explain the available options before carrying out any further treatment.
Could a dental bridge be right for you?
Book an appointment and we'll assess the gap, examine the neighbouring teeth and talk you through the most suitable ways to replace your missing tooth or teeth.