Dental bridges

What it is

A bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring a replacement to the teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighbouring teeth are prepared and crowned, with the replacement tooth joined between them. The whole unit is cemented in place and is not removed for cleaning.

Why replace a missing tooth at all

A gap is not only cosmetic. Teeth either side of it gradually drift into the space and the opposing tooth can over-erupt, which changes the bite over years and makes later treatment more complicated. Chewing also shifts to the other side, loading it more heavily.

What the appointments involve

First visit. The supporting teeth are prepared under local anaesthetic, an impression or digital scan is taken, and a temporary bridge is fitted.

Second visit. The permanent bridge is checked for fit, shade and bite, then cemented.

Afterwards

The one thing that decides how long a bridge lasts is cleaning underneath the replacement tooth. Floss cannot pass between the units, so a floss threader or an interdental brush is needed to clean under the span. Plaque collecting there is the usual reason a bridge fails years later — not the bridge itself breaking.

Bridge or implant?

An implant replaces the missing tooth on its own, without touching the neighbouring teeth. That is a real advantage when those teeth are sound and undamaged — a bridge means preparing two healthy teeth to fix one gap. Implants take longer and cost more, and need adequate bone.

A bridge is quicker, needs no surgery, and makes sense when the neighbouring teeth already need crowns anyway.

A removable partial denture is the least invasive and least expensive option.

The dentist will go through which applies to your case after an examination.