A fixed replacement for a missing tooth, anchored to the teeth on either side.
A bridge spans the gap left by a missing tooth. The replacement tooth is supported by crowns on the adjacent teeth, so the whole thing is cemented in place — nothing comes out at night.
Bridges are faster and less expensive than implants, and they remain a sensible choice in plenty of situations.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth at All?
A gap is not a stable situation. The teeth either side gradually tilt into it, the opposing tooth over-erupts looking for contact, chewing load redistributes onto fewer teeth, and cleaning becomes harder around the tilted teeth.
None of this happens quickly. All of it makes future treatment more complicated and more expensive.
The Process
- Assessment — checking the teeth either side are strong enough to carry a bridge
- Preparation — those teeth are shaped for crowns, under local anaesthetic
- Impression and temporary — a scan or impression is taken and a temporary bridge fitted
- Fitting — the permanent bridge is checked for fit, shade and bite, then cemented
Typically two visits over two to three weeks.
Bridge or Implant?
| Bridge | Implant | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to complete | 2–3 weeks | 3–9 months |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical lifespan | 10–15 years | Often permanent |
| Affects adjacent teeth | Yes — they must be filed down | No |
| Preserves jawbone | No | Yes |
The real trade-off is the adjacent teeth. A bridge requires reducing two healthy teeth to carry it. If those teeth already have large fillings or crowns, that cost is minimal — they needed covering anyway, and a bridge is often the better-value answer. If they are pristine, filing them down is a genuine downside and a dental implant is usually worth the extra time and money.
We will tell you honestly which applies in your mouth.
Caring for a Bridge
Brush normally, but you cannot floss between a bridge and the gum in the usual way. Use a floss threader, superfloss or a water flosser to clean underneath the replacement tooth.
Bridges fail most often from decay in the supporting teeth, which happens when that space is not cleaned. Two minutes a day protects the whole restoration. Keep your cleanings up.
Cost and Coverage
A bridge is priced roughly as three crowns, since that is effectively what it is. See fees and payment. Most private plans cover bridges partially — we submit a predetermination first.
If cost is the constraint, a partial denture is the least expensive way to fill a gap. Not as comfortable as a fixed bridge, but far better than leaving the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bridge last?
Commonly 10 to 15 years. Cleaning underneath it is the single biggest factor.
Will it look natural?
Yes — shade-matched porcelain or zirconia.
Can I eat normally?
Yes. A bridge is fixed and restores most chewing function.
What if the supporting teeth are not strong enough?
Then a bridge is not the right option, and we would look at an implant or a partial denture instead.