Dental Bridges

Replace Missing Teeth with a Natural-Looking Dental Bridge

Missing teeth can affect your confidence, your ability to chew comfortably, and the overall health of your smile. A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth, helping to restore your smile, maintain your bite, and prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting.

At our practice, we provide carefully designed dental bridges that are custom-made to blend naturally with your existing teeth and restore both function and appearance.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth. Unlike a denture, a bridge is permanently secured in place and is not removed for cleaning.

The replacement tooth (known as a pontic) is supported by the neighbouring teeth or, in some cases, by dental implants.

A bridge is designed to:

Restore your smile.
Improve chewing and speech.
Prevent adjacent teeth from moving into the gap.
Maintain the shape of your bite.
Provide a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.

When Is a Bridge Recommended?

A dental bridge may be suitable if:

You are missing one or more teeth.
The neighbouring teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge or would benefit from crowns.
You would prefer a fixed solution rather than a removable denture.
A dental implant is not suitable or is not your preferred option.

During your consultation, we will discuss all suitable options, including bridges, dentures, and dental implants, to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Dental Bridge

Traditional Bridge

A traditional bridge is the most common type of bridge.

It consists of one or more replacement teeth supported by crowns placed on the teeth either side of the gap. This type of bridge provides excellent strength and is often used for back teeth where greater biting forces are present.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is supported by a crown on only one neighbouring tooth.

This design is suitable in selected situations where only one supporting tooth is available. We will advise whether this is appropriate for your individual case.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge is a more conservative option, often used to replace a front tooth.

Instead of crowns, the replacement tooth is attached using small metal or ceramic wings bonded to the back of the neighbouring teeth. As very little tooth preparation is required, this option preserves more of your natural tooth structure.

Not every case is suitable for a Maryland bridge, and we will discuss whether it is the right choice for you.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Where several teeth are missing, a bridge can sometimes be supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth.

This avoids placing additional load on neighbouring teeth and provides a strong, long-lasting solution in appropriate cases.

The Bridge Procedure

Treatment is usually completed over two appointments.

First Appointment

During your first visit we will:

Examine your teeth and gums.
Take any necessary X-rays.
Prepare the supporting teeth if required.
Take accurate impressions.
Record the shade of your teeth.
Fit temporary restorations where appropriate.

Second Appointment

At your second appointment:

Your custom-made bridge is carefully checked for fit and appearance.
Your bite is adjusted if necessary.
Once you and your dentist are happy with the result, the bridge is permanently bonded or cemented into place.

Caring for Your Bridge

A bridge should be cared for just like your natural teeth.

To keep your bridge healthy:

Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
Clean underneath the replacement tooth using floss threaders, super floss, or interdental brushes as recommended.
Attend regular dental examinations and hygiene appointments.
Avoid chewing excessively hard objects that may damage the bridge.

With good care, many bridges provide excellent service for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my bridge look natural?

Yes. Your bridge is individually designed and colour matched to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth.

How long do bridges last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, dental bridges commonly last 10–15 years or longer.

Is a bridge better than a denture?

Both options have advantages. A bridge provides a fixed solution that feels more like a natural tooth, while a denture may be more suitable when multiple teeth are missing or where supporting teeth are not suitable. We will discuss the best option for your individual needs.

Is a bridge better than a dental implant?

Dental implants are often considered the ideal way to replace a missing tooth because they do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support. However, not everyone is suitable for implant treatment, and bridges remain an excellent, predictable option in many cases.

Book a Consultation

If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to explore your treatment options, we are here to help.

We will carefully assess your smile, discuss whether a dental bridge is the right solution for you, and explain all available options so you can make an informed decision with confidence.