What is a Dental Bridge?
Bridging a gap involves crowning a tooth on one or either side of a gap where a tooth has been lost. Crowning a tooth involves cutting down the tooth to create an upturned plant pot shape (peg) for a custom created tooth to be cemented onto.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Fills a missing tooth gap
A custom made dental prosthetic which can strengthen teeth connected to a pontic between
No movement - A fixed appliance cemented into place
Regain confidence with an aesthetic treatment to fill a gap
If well looked after, dental bridges can last decades, giving a solid platform to eat against and a long term confident smile
Dental bridges usually take two weeks to construct from the preparation appointment to the custom made appliance fitment
Usually people get used to their new bridge within a couple of weeks
The Dental Bridge Process
1
Once a bridge has been decided upon at the examination stage then the teeth need preparation.
2
Preparation takes approximately an hour and a half and it culminates in scanning the prepared teeth (we do not need to take impressions, so no mouthfuls of putty).
3
A white aesthetic temporary tooth is created. The scan is sent to a laboratory in Leeds.
4
Two weeks later we will fit the custom made bridge, we’ll make sure you’re happy.
5
Then we will cement your bridge using a light cured cement or a chemically cured one. Sometimes a little adjustment is needed but this is very rare.
The Type of Dental Bridges Available
There are many different bridge types and not all are possible in every situation:
A Maryland bridge is a crown attached to the neighbouring teeth with a metal wing - negating the need to prepare adjacent teeth heavily.
A Cantilever bridge is a bridge which is secured at one end only.
A Conventional bridge has two or more abutments. Abutments are the connections at either end.
The materials used for bridges can be porcelain fused to metal; emax or zircon and these are all tooth coloured. We also provide gold bridges if wished for.
We will discuss your requirements and wishes for a tooth friendly treatment.
Our Facial Aesthetics Practitioner
All facial aesthetics treatments are carried out by Dr Ailsa David, a medically accredited practitioner, ensuring safe, professional and high quality care tailored to you. Ailsa trained with Professor Brian Franks on his Medical Aesthetic Non-Surgical Interventions Training course in 2023. She holds certification for Botulinum Toxin Part 1 (for the upper face) and Dermal Fillers Parts I and II (for lower face and lip augmentation)
"I love carrying out facial aesthetics because small, carefully placed treatments can make a big difference to how someone feels about themselves. I really enjoy helping people feel more confident, refreshed, and like the best version of themselves.”
Frequently Asked Questions
If looked after, dental bridges can last for decades. If they’re not looked after then they can fail after a few months. At Courtyard Dental Practice, we have seen fifty year old bridges still looking amazing.
How long do bridges last?
We will always recommend normal cleaning, either with a manual or electric toothbrush. We also recommend flossing and cleaning with interdental tooth brushes. Superfloss is also a very useful tool under a bridge.
How do I clean my bridge?
We tend to recommend not eating on the bridge for an hour after you have it fitted. It’s best to allow yourself time to start getting used to the new bridge by eating soft foods to start.
Will I be able to eat when I have a bridge?
Maryland bridges need to be used with care as the wings are not as supportive as cantilever ones. They do allow very minimal preparation of the tooth structure and can therefore be more tooth friendly. Cleaning is enhanced with superfloss and interdentally brushes.
How do I care for a Maryland bridge?
We recommend avoiding sticky and hard foods straight after a bridge has been fitted. Eating softer foods for the first 24 hours allows you to get used to the presence of new teeth.
What can I eat and what should I avoid immediately after having a new dental bridge?
Yes we will endeavour to get the best colour match as we can. If the bridge is at the front of the mouth we may invite you to help with shade selection.
Will the bridge be the same colour as my teeth?
If you cannot have an implant or you do not want a denture then a bridge might be the best option to fill in a missing tooth.
Why would a dentist recommend a dental bridge over other tooth replacement options?
This is a very difficult question to answer as each gap is different.
How much do dental bridges cost?
Cutting any tooth down to create the “peg” shape can upset the nerve in the tooth. This can (in 30% of cases) result in the nerve dying and an abscess forming. This will result in root canal therapy being needed or for the teeth in question needing to be removed.
What are the potential risks associated with dental bridge procedures
If a bridge is loose or moving then this can indicate the seal at one or both ends of the span has been broken. This will mean food and bacteria will be trapping underneath the bridge and this can result in decay. Other signs of failure are swelling about the teeth or pain around the bridge. If porcelain is chipping from the bridge - this can be unaesthetic but not necessarily a problem for the teeth.
What are the signs that a dental bridge might be failing or needs repair?
Care for the whole family
"I contacted Courtyard Dental Practice after years of deliberating teeth straightening with various other dentists. I inquired about Invisalign, and everything was explained so clearly."
Sonia Jandu
"The dentist Ailsa and Emily the nurse were really supportive and the appointment went really well."
Claire Treanor
"I went there today with my 5 years old for a check up and filling. They been great! Dr Freedman and Emily have been so friendly, professional and quick! "
Raquel Garcia Haro
"Alexia & her team are fantastic! I’m definitely a nervous patient but they were so great, a visit doesn’t make me nervous at all."
Suzi Ovens
"I just want you to know how much I appreciate you as a dentist - my wife has been terrified of the dentist for years.... now look at her! "
"Very happy with how professional Ailsa & Vicki was. Treatment was explained to me and I was made very comfortable."
"'I never thought a trip to the dentist could be something I would look forward to . Thank you all so much!"
"Thank you so much for the treatment this morning, my teeth feel much more comfortable. My visit to your practice was so reassuring I feel much more positive, "
"Lovely welcoming helpful staff and festive practice (its december) Dentist very knowledgeable and explained my treatment plan to me in a way that I can understand.!"
"I contacted Courtyard Dental Practice after years of deliberating teeth straightening with various other dentists. I inquired about Invisalign, and everything was explained so clearly."
Sonia Jandu
"The dentist Ailsa and Emily the nurse were really supportive and the appointment went really well."
Claire Treanor
"I went there today with my 5 years old for a check up and filling. They been great! Dr Freedman and Emily have been so friendly, professional and quick! "
Raquel Garcia Haro
"Alexia & her team are fantastic! I’m definitely a nervous patient but they were so great, a visit doesn’t make me nervous at all."
Suzi Ovens
"I just want you to know how much I appreciate you as a dentist - my wife has been terrified of the dentist for years.... now look at her! "
'Very happy with how professional Ailsa & Vicki was. Treatment was explained to me and I was made very comfortable.'
"I never thought a trip to the dentist could be something I would look forward to . Thank you all so much!"
'I love coming to the dentist because the staff are so friendly, smiley & kind"
"Dentist very knowledgeable and explained my treatment plan to me in a way that I can understand."
"Thank you so much for the treatment this morning, my teeth feel much more comfortable."
