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A fixed dental bridge replacing a missing tooth at Align Dental Surgery

Dental bridges

Dental bridges

A fixed, natural-looking way to close the gap left by a missing tooth, anchored to the teeth on either side.

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What a dental bridge is

A dental bridge is a fixed, long-term way to replace one or more missing teeth, made to match the colour of the teeth around it. It is built from two crowns that sit over the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth spanning the space between them.

The false tooth is called a pontic, and it is usually made from porcelain or ceramic. A bridge can close a single gap or replace several teeth in a row.

A porcelain dental bridge with a pontic replacing a missing tooth at Align Dental Surgery

What a bridge does for you

Replacing a missing tooth is not only about appearance. A gap changes how you chew and speak, and the teeth around it can start to drift over time.

What a bridge does for you

  • Closes the gap and improves your smile
  • Restores chewing, for a better choice of foods that matters for nutrition and digestion
  • Helps your speech, as gaps and unstable dentures can cause lisping
  • Supports the lips and restores facial contours, profile and proportion
  • Stops the remaining teeth from drifting out of alignment
  • Supports your confidence in everyday situations
A man smiling confidently with a complete set of teeth after a dental bridge at Align Dental Surgery

Bridge or denture?

A removable denture is a lower-cost way to replace several teeth, but for one or a few missing teeth a fixed bridge is usually more stable and more comfortable.

A dental bridge lasts on average between seven and ten years, and some last fifteen years or more with good care.

How a bridge compares with a denture

  • A bridge is fixed in place, a denture is removable
  • A bridge stays in at night, a denture is taken out
  • A bridge is more stable when you chew
  • A bridge tends to feel more comfortable
  • A bridge usually looks more natural
  • A bridge can be supported by natural teeth or by dental implants
A removable denture used to replace several missing teeth at Align Dental Surgery

Types of bridge

Where the gap is not too wide and there are one or two strong teeth on each side, a traditional bridge is an option. Those teeth are prepared by removing their outer layer, and a framework carrying the false tooth, made of metal and porcelain for support, is cemented over them.

Modern frameworks are usually zirconia, which has largely superseded traditional metal-based bridges because of the improved aesthetics. Because zirconia can be milled with 3D computer technology, the fit is more precise and the laboratory time is shorter.

3D illustration of a dental bridge over a molar and premolar at Align Dental Surgery

Bridge or implant?

If only one tooth is missing, a single dental implant can stand on its own, replacing the tooth without trimming the healthy teeth on either side, which is why it is often the more conservative choice. A bridge makes more sense when the neighbouring teeth would benefit from crowns anyway, or where an implant is not suitable, for example if there is not enough bone, though bone grafting can sometimes change that.

We assess your bite, the teeth around the gap and the supporting bone, then explain the options, what each involves, how long each lasts and the cost, so you can choose with a clear picture.

A set of removable dentures, an alternative to a dental bridge, at Align Dental Surgery

Implant-supported bridges

When many teeth are missing, implants can be used to span the gap and support a bridge, instead of replacing every lost tooth with its own implant. This reduces the cost, and it is also the option where there is insufficient bone.

An implant-supported bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, except that it rests on titanium roots instead of natural teeth.

Questions & answers

Dental bridges: common questions

How long does a dental bridge last?
On average, a well-made dental bridge lasts around seven to ten years, and many last fifteen years or more with good care. Longevity depends on keeping the supporting teeth and gums healthy, so brushing, flossing (including under the bridge with a floss threader or interdental brushes) and regular check-ups all matter, as does avoiding habits like chewing ice or using your teeth as tools. We check your bridge at your routine visits and can usually catch a problem, such as decay around a supporting tooth, before it becomes serious. Looking after a bridge is straightforward once you have the technique.
Should I choose a bridge or a dental implant?
If only one tooth is missing, a dental implant is often the better option because it replaces the tooth on its own without trimming the healthy teeth either side, and it also helps preserve the bone where the tooth was. A bridge can be the better choice when the neighbouring teeth would benefit from crowns anyway, when there is not enough bone for an implant (although bone grafting can sometimes solve that), or when you prefer a quicker, non-surgical solution. We will look at your specific situation, the teeth around the gap, the bone, your bite and your budget, and recommend what suits you best.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Cleaning under the false tooth of a bridge is important, because plaque can collect there and cause decay or gum problems around the supporting teeth. The two main tools are a floss threader, which lets you pass floss under the bridge to clean along the gum, and small interdental brushes, which slide into the space beneath. A water flosser can help too. We will show you the technique at your appointment, and once you have it, it only adds a minute or so to your routine. Keeping that area clean is the key to making the bridge last.

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