Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are false teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, a dental bridge is fixed in place as it is anchored to the teeth at one, or both sides of a gap. They’re an alternative to dental implants for patients who don’t want to have surgery.

Why do I need a bridge?

Gaps in your teeth don’t just look unappealing, they can also cause a lot of damage to the surrounding teeth, putting more pressure on them and sometimes straining the jaw joint. Gaps where a tooth or teeth have been lost, also allow for unwanted and undesirable tooth movement of the adjacent or opposing teeth.

A dental bridge is used to solve this problem, usually by fixing a false tooth in the gap and using the natural teeth to hold it in place.It typically has three pieces; a false tooth, held together by two crowns that cover the adjacent teeth.   This is called a fixed – fixed bridge.

Dental Bridge - Before and After Treatment

By comparison, a Maryland bridge has metal wings bonded onto the adjacent teeth, which are very lightly prepared.

How are bridges made?

Generally, it takes two appointments to prepare and fit a bridge.

During the first appointment the adjacent teeth are shaped to accommodate the bridge. An impression or mould is taken of the area and the bridge is custom-made by a specialised lab technician according to the dentist’s instructions.

In this first appointment we will also determine the right shade for your bridge and fit a temporary bridge until your new one is ready.

At your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and the new one is fitted. Your dentist will ensure the fit is comfortable and that you are happy with the appearance.