Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges

These bridges consist of one or more fake teeth (pontics) and are held in place by one or more dental crowns. These dental crowns are known as abutments. The abutments are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to your missing tooth/teeth. These bridges can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of a gap created by your missing tooth. Bridges are even strong enough to replace molars.

With traditional bridges however, the adjacent teeth need to be prepared to take the crowns which means removing healthy tooth tissue. Enamel does not grown back, so these teeth will always need to be protected with crowns, even if the bridge is removed or replaced with another option such as an implant.

Cantilever Bridges

Similar to traditional bridges, the pontic (false tooth) is supported by an abutment but only on only one side, rather than on both sides. So these can be used where there’s only one natural tooth missing in certain cases. Their suitability is decided by your dentist.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges are a more conservative alternative to traditional bridges as less preparation is require and therefore less invasive on your existing teeth. These bridges have a pontic (false tooth) that is held in place by metal wings. These wings are bonded onto the backs of the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.

Although Maryland bridges are less damaging to existing teeth than traditional bridges, their strength is limited by the strength of the resin that holds it in place. So these may not stay in place in areas of the mouth where the biting force is particularly strong, like the molars.

Implant-Supported Bridges

These are another option for replacing missing teeth where you have more than one tooth missing. They are supported by dental implants. Often an implant-supported bridge may consist of a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns.

These types of bridges can feel very comfortable and secure as they most resemble your natural teeth. They still need to be looked after and cleaned like natural teeth to keep your gums around them healthy. The process can take a long time however, around 4-6 months from start to finish.

For further information on any of these services or to book an appointment, contact us on 0208 300 8255.