What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges London at ēm dental are a restorative treatment designed to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge fills the gap created by missing teeth and can help restore the appearance, function and balance of your smile.
A dental bridge typically uses one or more replacement teeth, known as pontics, supported by neighbouring teeth or dental implants depending on the type of bridge selected. The final restoration is custom-made to complement your natural teeth and provide a comfortable, natural-looking result.
If you are looking for dental bridges London, our team can assess your teeth and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for replacing missing teeth.
Why Might You Need a Dental Bridge?
Missing teeth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. A gap can make eating and speaking more difficult and may affect the way your remaining teeth meet together.
Replacing a missing tooth can help restore function and maintain a more balanced smile. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums and bite before recommending whether a dental bridge is suitable for you.
What Can Dental Bridges Replace?
Dental bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth where the surrounding teeth and oral health are suitable.
- One missing tooth
- Several adjacent missing teeth
- Gaps affecting your ability to chew comfortably
- Missing teeth that affect the appearance of your smile
The most appropriate bridge design depends on the number and position of the missing teeth, the condition of the surrounding teeth and your overall oral health.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional bridge uses crowns placed over suitable supporting teeth on either side of a gap. These crowns support one or more replacement teeth positioned between them.
This type of bridge may be suitable when the neighbouring teeth are strong enough to provide support and require consideration as part of the treatment plan.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants rather than natural teeth as the supporting structure. This can be an option when several adjacent teeth are missing and there are suitable conditions for implant treatment.
If you are considering implants, your dentist will assess your oral health, jawbone and individual circumstances before recommending this approach.
You can also learn more about our dental implant treatment.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
1. Consultation and Assessment
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and bite and discuss the missing tooth or teeth you would like to replace. X-rays or other diagnostic assessments may be recommended where appropriate.
2. Treatment Planning
Your dentist will determine which type of bridge may be appropriate and explain the available options. The condition of the supporting teeth is an important part of this assessment.
3. Preparing the Supporting Teeth
For some types of traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Your dentist will explain the preparation required for your individual treatment.
4. Creating the Bridge
The bridge is custom-made to fit your mouth and complement the appearance of your surrounding teeth. The shape, size and shade are considered to create a natural-looking result.
5. Fitting the Final Restoration
Once the bridge has been completed, your dentist will check its fit, appearance and function before securing it in place.
Are Dental Bridges Painful?
Dental bridge treatment is generally carried out using local anaesthetic where required. The level of discomfort experienced can vary depending on the type of bridge and any preparation needed.
Some sensitivity or tenderness may occur after treatment, particularly around teeth that have been prepared. Your dentist will provide aftercare advice and explain what to expect during recovery.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Dental bridges can provide long-term tooth replacement when they are properly planned, fitted and maintained. Their lifespan varies between patients and depends on factors such as oral hygiene, the condition of the supporting teeth, bite forces and everyday habits.
Regular dental examinations are important because your dentist can monitor the bridge and the teeth and gums around it.
If you notice movement, damage, sensitivity or discomfort around your bridge, contact your dentist so it can be assessed.
How Do You Look After a Dental Bridge?
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a dental bridge and the teeth and gums supporting it.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean carefully around the bridge
- Clean underneath the replacement tooth where possible
- Attend regular dental check-ups
- Follow your dentist’s advice about cleaning and maintenance
Your dentist or hygienist can show you suitable techniques for cleaning around your specific bridge.
Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants
Dental bridges and dental implants are both options for replacing missing teeth, but they work in different ways.
A traditional bridge uses supporting teeth to hold a replacement tooth or teeth in place, while a dental implant uses an implant placed into the jawbone as the foundation for a restoration.
The right option depends on your oral health, the number of missing teeth, the condition of surrounding teeth, available bone and your treatment goals.
Your dentist can assess your smile and explain whether a bridge, implant or another treatment would be most appropriate.
Dental Bridges Cost in London
The cost of dental bridges depends on factors such as the number of teeth being replaced, the type of bridge required and the complexity of your treatment.
At ēm dental, your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss the recommended treatment and associated costs during your consultation.
You can view our current treatment prices before booking an appointment.
If you are considering dental bridges London, the cost will depend on the type of bridge and your individual treatment requirements.
Are Dental Bridges Suitable for Everyone?
Dental bridges are not suitable for every patient. Your supporting teeth and gums need to be sufficiently healthy to provide the required support for the type of bridge being considered.
Active tooth decay, gum disease or other dental problems may need to be treated before bridge treatment can begin.
Your dentist will assess your oral health and explain the available options based on your individual circumstances.
Why Choose ēm dental for Dental Bridges?
At ēm dental, dental bridge treatment is planned around your individual smile, oral health and functional needs.
Your dentist will assess the missing tooth or teeth, examine the surrounding structures and explain the available treatment options before recommending the most appropriate solution.
Our aim is to provide a comfortable, functional and natural-looking restoration that fits harmoniously with your existing teeth.
At ēm dental, we provide dental bridges London patients can discuss with a dentist as part of a personalised treatment plan.
Dental Bridges FAQs
How long do dental bridges last?
Dental bridges can provide long-term tooth replacement when properly planned and maintained. Their lifespan varies depending on oral hygiene, supporting teeth, bite forces and other individual factors.
Can a dental bridge replace one missing tooth?
Yes. A dental bridge can be used to replace a single missing tooth when the surrounding teeth and oral health are suitable for the treatment.
Are dental bridges painful?
Local anaesthetic can be used where necessary during treatment. Some sensitivity or tenderness may occur afterwards, particularly around prepared supporting teeth.
Can dental bridges replace several missing teeth?
Yes. Depending on the position and number of missing teeth, a bridge may be used to replace several adjacent teeth. Your dentist will assess whether this treatment is suitable for you.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Cleaning underneath a bridge is important for maintaining the supporting teeth and surrounding gums. Your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate suitable cleaning techniques and recommend any additional cleaning aids you may need.
Are dental bridges better than implants?
Neither treatment is automatically better for every patient. Bridges and implants have different benefits, requirements and limitations. Your dentist can assess your oral health and explain which option is most appropriate for your individual needs.
Book a Dental Bridge Consultation
If you have one or more missing teeth and are considering a dental bridge, book a consultation with ēm dental. Your dentist can assess your smile, discuss your options and explain the most appropriate treatment for your needs.