A Bridge is a way of replacing a missing tooth with a false one made out of porcelain, they are attached either side by crowns that are fitted on a tooth adjacent to the gap. A bridge is a very good way of replacing missing teeth; a well looked after bridge will last many years.

Bridge technology has improved over the years and even though many bridges are attached to teeth using crowns, there are other ways of making bridges. A single bridge can fill the missing tooth’s space, by having a metal wing attached to it which is fitted to the adjacent stable tooth. These types of bridges are called resin retained bridges. A resin bonded bridge has ‘wings’ on either side which bond to the teeth. Very little preparation is required of the teeth to make this type of bridge.

What is a bridge?

The most common type of bridge is fitted into your mouth by attaching it with crowns to the teeth either end of the space. This can only happen if the teeth that are to be attached to are healthy and have no gum disease. The teeth are shortened down the same as with a crown, and then the bridge is made as if there were several crowns joined together, which is permanently attached to the prepared teeth. The bridge is fitted onto the teeth either side with a strong cement. Resin bond bridges are ‘glued’ on with a special adhesive.

Am I suitable for a bridge?

Bridges are a good way to replace one or more missing teeth. Both the gums and the teeth must be healthy enough to support the bridge. At an initial consultation visit we obtain some X rays of the teeth, and do a few other checks to make sure that if a bridge is made for you, we can be positive it will function properly and look aesthetically pleasing.

Why replace missing teeth?

If one or more teeth are missing around the front region of your mouth the main reason to replace it is to approve the appearance. If the gap is nearer the back of your mouth and is hidden from viewing, then the main reason is to replace the missing tooth/teeth to improve the chewing efficiency and to keep the teeth on either side from moving. Teeth only stay where they are in your mouth because of the support from each other, if one is lost then often the teeth each side of the gap begin to move into the space and possibly close the gap and create other gaps. This can result in food getting trapped between the teeth, leading to gum disease around the particular teeth. When the teeth move the ‘bite’ can also change leading to problems again with chewing.

How much does a bridge cost?

At 44 Dental Care we prepare and make the bridge to fit specifically to your mouth. Costs vary dependant on the size and type of bridge which is needed. A resin bonded bridge can cost less than a fixed bridge.

Dental bridge case

How is a bridge fitted?

The most common bridge is fitted over stable teeth each side of the space. The more modern styled bridges, which are made from various materials, attach adhesively to the teeth.

Types of bridge

At 44 Dental Care we use different types of bridges depending on where in the mouth the bridge will be fitted. Bridges around the back region of the mouth usually have a precious metal substructure, with a layer of porcelain coloured to match your own teeth covering it. Towards the front of the mouth where the teeth do not have as much chewing force, but where they are viewable, we always attempt to use one of the porcelain materials, which will make the tooth look more natural. The porcelain materials are made from a technology called LAVA. The substance is milled from a solid piece of zirconia and once made is very strong. These can be more expensive than standard bridges but the better appearance is worth the extra cost.