A dental bridge helps to close the gap in your mouth. It replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth bonded to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. At Thousand Smiles, we have two main types of dental bridges.
The most common has two crowns made of metal or porcelain and is permanently bonded to the natural teeth on the sides of the gap, with the false teeth or tooth in the middle.
If the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are healthy and strong, our dentist may recommend an adhesive bridge. An adhesive dental bridge has a false tooth with wings on both sides. The dentist will bond the wings to the inside surfaces of your supporting teeth. This bridge prevents preparing the surrounding teeth for complete coverage crowns.
When you have one or several missing teeth, it may affect you differently. A dental bridge can help address these common dental issues for the following.
A dental bridge offers a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike a dental implant, a bridge can replace your missing teeth without dental surgery. The porcelain options available offer a natural-looking solution.
Fitting a dental bridge can increase your self-confidence and make you smile more. It also makes tasking and eating easier. A tooth replacement protects your smile, preventing food from entering the space, which increases tooth decay.
Getting a dental bridge is an investment in your oral health, smile and quality of life.
Different alternatives are available for replacing missing teeth. Our dentist will discuss your options and recommend the most suitable option. Your alternative may include,
They are removable metal or plastic frameworks attached to the false teeth
It is a porcelain tooth or crown fitted on a titanium implant directly fitted into the jawbone.
A dental bridge is more expensive than dentures, but bridges are more comfortable. A bridge is a good investment in your oral health, as replacing your missing teeth will preserve the health of your remaining teeth.
The cost of dental bridges varies but usually starts at £100, depending on factors such as where you will place the bridge and the materials.
Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to create the dental bridge. The process will involve creating a mould of your gums and teeth to make the bridge that fits your mouth. At this stage, our dentist will determine the right shade of the dental bridge so it matches your natural teeth.
Our lab technician will customise the bride following the dentist’s instructions. You will get a temporary solution like a plastic crown or bridge while waiting for the bespoke bridge.
When the permanent bridge is available, you will have an appointment to fit it. You will get local anaesthetic before the procedure to numb the area, but you will be conscious during the procedure.
Our dentist will ensure the bridge fits comfortably by checking if your bite fits correctly.
After your dental bridge placement, you may feel sore in your gums or slight sensitivity to cold and hot drinks and foods. Your new teeth may feel uncomfortable since they will fill the gap in your mouth, but this will subside within a few days.
Your new teeth may feel high when you bite together, and you may have adjustments to correct slight problems during your follow-up appointments.
Bridges are a permanent restoration option, so you can’t remove them for cleaning. You need to clean the gap under the bridge using special dental floss to ensure your natural teeth remain healthy. Our hygienist or dentist will show you how you will floss under your dental bridge. With proper care, your dental bridge will last for several years.
If you want a dental bridge to replace your missing teeth, visit Thousand Smiles or call 020 8050 0280 to schedule an appointment with us.