What a dental bridge is, and when it fits
A bridge fills the space a missing tooth leaves, anchored to the teeth on either side. Those two neighbours pay for it in tooth structure.
- Topic
- Restorative
- Read
- 3 min
If you are missing one or more teeth, a bridge is one of two ways the gap gets closed at this clinic. A denture is the other. A bridge is fixed: custom-made, anchored to your own teeth, and it stays in at night.
What a bridge is
A bridge is one or more artificial teeth connected to crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. They are porcelain where they show, and sometimes gold or alloy where they do not. The replacement is shade-matched to its neighbours, so a front-tooth bridge reads as your own smile.
What it does for you
- Restores chewing and clear speech
- Keeps the remaining teeth from drifting into the space
- Spreads biting force across the row again
- Keeps the arch continuous, which is part of how your face holds its shape
How fitting works
A digital scan or an impression records the prepared teeth, their neighbours and your bite. That becomes the mould for a single piece: the artificial tooth and its anchoring crowns. Expect a few visits: assessment and estimate, preparation, fitting, and an adjustment if the bite needs one. A temporary bridge may sit in place while the final one is made.
Bridge or implant?
An implant is a new root placed in the jaw. A bridge borrows support from the teeth on either side. Those two teeth are prepared and crowned to carry it, and that preparation is permanent. It is the main trade-off to weigh.
Implants are not placed at this clinic. If your case is better served by one, the dentist will say so at the exam and refer you to someone who places them. Either way, student and private plans are billed directly from the desk.
Book a visit
Ready when you are.
Online in two minutes, or the desk picks up during open hours.