A missing tooth can affect the way you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. A dental bridge is a fixed, non-removable option for replacing one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between your remaining natural teeth or dental implants.
At Dental Arts Studio in City Road and Enfield, London, our dentists assess your teeth and gums carefully to determine whether a bridge is a suitable option for you, and explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives so you can make an informed decision.
A dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns fitted to the teeth on either side of a gap — known as abutment teeth — with a false tooth, called a pontic, fixed in between. Bridges can be made from porcelain, metal alloys, or a combination of materials, and may be supported by your natural teeth or by dental implants.
Bridges are typically considered when:
One or more teeth are missing, and a fixed (rather than removable) solution is preferred
The teeth either side of the gap are strong enough to support a bridge, or implants are being used instead
A dental implant is not suitable or not the patient’s preferred choice
Whether a bridge is right for you depends on the condition of your remaining teeth and gums, the size of the gap, and your general oral health. Your dentist will assess this and discuss which option best suits your situation.
Who May Benefit from a Dental Bridge?
You may want to discuss a dental bridge with our team if you are experiencing:
One or more missing teeth
Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly due to a gap
Shifting or tilting of teeth next to a missing tooth
Self-consciousness about the appearance of your smile
A preference for a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture
An examination, including X-rays where needed, will help confirm whether a bridge, an implant, or another restoration is the most suitable option for you.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
Traditional fixed bridges
The most common type, using a crown on each abutment tooth on either side of the gap to support the pontic in between.
Cantilever bridges
Used where there is only one natural tooth next to the gap to support the bridge. This option is considered carefully, as it may place additional load on the supporting tooth.
Resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges
A more conservative option where the pontic is held in place with a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, requiring less alteration of the abutment teeth.
Implant-supported bridges
Where a bridge is anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, which can be useful when several adjacent teeth are missing, or the neighbouring teeth are not suitable to act as abutments.
Before Your Bridge Treatment
Initial consultation
Your first appointment includes a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and the gap to be treated, along with X-rays where necessary to assess the supporting teeth and bone.
Suitability assessment
Factors such as gum disease, the condition of the abutment teeth, and your bite may affect which type of bridge, if any, is most suitable. Your dentist will discuss this with you honestly, including if another treatment, such as an implant, may be more appropriate.
Treatment planning
If a bridge is recommended, your dentist will explain the number of visits required, the materials to be used, and the estimated cost before treatment begins.
The Dental Bridge Treatment Process
Step 1: Preparing the abutment teeth
The teeth on either side of the gap are gently reshaped to make room for the crowns that will anchor the bridge. This is carried out under local anaesthetic.
Step 2: Taking impressions
An impression or digital scan of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your bridge is custom-made to fit your bite and match the shade of your surrounding teeth.
Step 3: Fitting a temporary bridge
A temporary bridge is usually fitted to protect the prepared teeth and maintain appearance while your permanent bridge is made.
Step 4: Fitting the permanent bridge
Once ready, your permanent bridge is checked for fit and comfort and then cemented or bonded into place.
Step 5: Review
A follow-up appointment allows your dentist to check that the bridge is functioning well and that your bite feels comfortable.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
For suitable patients, a dental bridge may help:
Restore the appearance of your smile
Improve the ability to chew and speak
Maintain the natural shape of your face
Distribute biting forces more evenly across your teeth
Help prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting out of position
As with any dental treatment, results and how long a bridge lasts vary between individuals, and your dentist can discuss what to realistically expect in your case.
Cost of Dental Bridges
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, and the complexity of your case.
Treatment fees
We provide a written treatment plan with clear costs before any treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Payment and finance
Finance options may be available to help spread the cost of private treatment — please ask our team for details.
Looking after your bridge properly can help support its long-term success, although, as with natural teeth, this cannot be guaranteed.
Clean under and around the bridge — Use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser, as advised by your dentist or hygienist, to clean beneath the pontic.
Attend regular check-ups — Routine reviews allow your dentist to monitor the bridge and the health of the supporting teeth and gums.
Avoid biting very hard foods — Hard or sticky foods can place excess strain on the bridge and its supporting teeth.
Wear a night guard if advised — If you grind your teeth, a night guard can help protect your bridge from excess wear.
Contact us promptly if you notice a problem — Looseness, discomfort, or damage to a bridge should be checked as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I suitable for a dental bridge?
Suitability depends on the condition of the teeth either side of the gap, your gum health, and the size of the gap being treated. An examination with our dentists will confirm whether a bridge, implant, or another option is most appropriate for you.
How long does dental bridge treatment take?
Treatment usually involves two or more appointments — one to prepare the teeth and take impressions, and a further visit to fit the permanent bridge once it has been made. Your dentist can give you a more specific timescale after your assessment.
Does having a bridge fitted hurt?
Preparing the teeth for a bridge is carried out under local anaesthetic. Some mild sensitivity is common afterwards and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, as advised by your dentist.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
Costs vary depending on the number of teeth being replaced, the materials chosen, and whether the bridge is provided on the NHS or privately. We provide a detailed, written quote after your consultation so you know the costs involved before deciding whether to proceed.
Are dental bridges available on the NHS?
Bridges may be available on the NHS where clinically necessary, subject to standard NHS eligibility and banding. Our team can advise on whether NHS provision may be suitable for you or discuss private options.
How long do dental bridges last?
Many bridges can function well for a number of years with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, though this varies between patients and cannot be guaranteed. Some bridges may need repair or replacement over time.
What’s the difference between a bridge and a dental implant?
A bridge is supported by the natural teeth either side of a gap (or by implants), while a single implant replaces a tooth independently without relying on neighbouring teeth. Your dentist can discuss which option suits your particular circumstances, including the condition of your remaining teeth.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw over time and may allow neighbouring teeth to shift or tilt into the gap. Your dentist can discuss your options, including bridges, implants, or dentures.
Considering a Dental Bridge? Book a Consultation Today
Every patient’s situation is different, and a bridge is not the right choice for everyone. Book a consultation with our team to discuss whether a dental bridge could be a suitable option for you, along with the associated costs, risks, and alternatives.
We know it’s not always easy to get to a dentist during the working week, so as well as routine private dentist care, we offer Saturday and late-night appointments in Enfield, and same-day dental appointments for patients from City Road and Old Street, including corporate and lunchtime checkup bookings.
