Dental Bridges At Bloxdent Smiles
Dental Bridges
Our dentists are experienced in all types of bridge restoration, from single-tooth replacement to multi-unit and full-arch bridgework, including both conventional and implant-retained bridges. We use digital scanning and planning to ensure an accurate fit, natural appearance, and evidence-informed care, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Whether you require a single bridge, multiple bridges, or bridgework supported by implants, we’ll carefully assess your mouth to recommend the safest and most effective option for you.
Why choose dental bridges?
Dental bridges could be the right solution for you if:
- You have one or more missing teeth and want a fixed, non-removable solution
- You want to restore your ability to bite and chew comfortably
- You’d like to prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position
- You want a faster, less invasive alternative to implants
- You’d like to restore your smile and facial shape after tooth loss
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
A bridge typically consists of two crowns that fit over the supporting (abutment) teeth, with a false tooth, called a pontic, fused between them. Bridges can be supported by your own natural teeth or by dental implants, depending on what’s most suitable for your case.
Unlike dentures, bridges are fixed in place and not removed for cleaning. Unlike implants, a conventional bridge does not require surgery, as it relies on the strength of the neighbouring teeth for support.
The benefits of dental bridges
- No more visible gaps from missing teeth
- Fixed in place – no removing for cleaning
- Restores normal biting and chewing function
- Helps prevent surrounding teeth from drifting
- Quicker to complete than implant treatment
- No surgery required for tooth-supported bridges
- Maintains the natural shape of your face and bite
- Care for them like natural teeth
- They restore your oral health
Am I suitable for a dental bridge?
Most patients with one or more missing teeth are suitable candidates for a bridge. The key requirement is that the teeth either side of the gap (or an implant placed in the gap) are healthy and strong enough to support the bridge. At Bloxdent Smiles we are committed to finding a solution for everyone and we will always give you all the available options to help you decide what is best for you. In assessing your suitability we will look at the health and strength of the supporting teeth, your gum health, and the size and position of the gap, as this will help inform the most suitable type of bridge.
We tailor our bridge solutions to your personal needs using digital scanning and impressions to accurately plan the fit, shape and colour of your bridge. We then create a bespoke treatment plan to discuss with you, and if we don’t think a bridge is the right option for you we will talk to you about other options, including implants or dentures.
FAQs
A dental bridge is typically made up of:
- The Abutment Crowns – Crowns fitted over the natural teeth (or implants) either side of the gap, anchoring the bridge in place.
- The Pontic – The false tooth (or teeth) that sits in the gap, fused to the abutment crowns..
- The Connector – The structural framework joining the crowns and pontic together, usually made from zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or metal alloy.
Modern bridges are most commonly made from zirconia or porcelain, giving a strong, natural-looking, tooth-coloured result.
Our treatment costs are all inclusive (appointments and materials: crowns, pontic, fitting etc) and depend on the number of teeth being replaced and the type of bridge required.
The full treatment cost is always clearly outlined in your treatment plan, so you know exactly what you’ll pay. If you require any extra treatment, your dentist will discuss any additional costs before treatment begins.
If dental bridges are well cared for, they can last 10-15 years or longer. A good at-home oral hygiene routine is vital to ensure longevity, including cleaning carefully underneath the bridge with floss threaders or interdental brushes. We advise seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly so they can check your bridge as part of your overall oral health.
Most patients experience little to no pain during or after bridge treatment. Any discomfort can be minimised by following the guidance below:
- Local anaesthetic is used when preparing the supporting teeth, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself.
- You may experience some sensitivity in the prepared teeth for a few days afterwards, particularly to hot or cold. This usually settles on its own.
- A temporary bridge will be fitted while your permanent bridge is made – take care when eating and avoid very sticky or hard foods.
- Mild gum tenderness around the prepared teeth is normal in the first few days.
- For any discomfort, an over-the-counter pain killer such as Nurofen is usually sufficient.
- Maintain your normal oral hygiene routine, being gentle around the temporary restoration.
- If you have any concerns, please contact the surgery.
A bridge replaces missing teeth by anchoring onto the natural teeth (or implants) either side of the gap, while an implant replaces the tooth root directly with a titanium post placed into the jawbone.
Bridges are generally quicker to complete, don’t require surgery (unless implant-retained), and are often more cost-effective for replacing one or a few teeth where the adjacent teeth already need crowns or are otherwise compromised. Implants don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support and help preserve jawbone, but require a surgical procedure and a longer treatment timeline.
Which option is right for you depends on the health of your remaining teeth, the size of the gap, your bone density, and your personal preference. We’ll talk you through both options as part of your assessment.
A Maryland bridge (also called a resin-bonded bridge) is a more conservative type of bridge used mainly to replace front teeth. Rather than fitting full crowns over the supporting teeth, a Maryland bridge uses a metal or ceramic wing bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, with little to no preparation of the natural tooth structure required.
This makes it a less invasive option, though it’s generally less robust than a conventional bridge and is best suited to specific cases, which your dentist will assess.
Cleaning underneath a bridge is the most important part of looking after it, since food and plaque can collect in the gap beneath the pontic. We recommend:
- Using floss threaders, super floss, or interdental brushes to clean underneath the pontic daily
- Brushing the bridge and surrounding teeth as normal, twice a day
- Attending regular hygiene appointments so we can check the fit and cleanliness of the bridge
- Avoiding very hard or sticky foods that could dislodge or damage the bridge
Your dentist or hygienist will show you the correct technique for your specific bridge at your fitting appointment.
