What Dental Bridges Can Address
Bridges are generally considered where one or more teeth are missing and the teeth either side of the gap are healthy enough to support the restoration. Whether a bridge specifically suits your own situation is a question for assessment, not something decided here.
How Bridges Differ from Dental Implants
A bridge relies on the natural teeth either side of a gap for support, generally requiring those teeth to be prepared in a similar way to preparing a tooth for a crown. A dental implant, by contrast, is anchored independently in the jawbone, without involving the neighbouring teeth. See our Dental Implants pages for that alternative.
How Bridges Differ from Dentures
A bridge is fixed in place and not removed by the patient, whereas a denture is a removable option that's taken out for cleaning. See Dentures for that alternative.
Assessment and Planning
Planning generally involves an examination of the gap and the condition of the teeth either side of it, to check whether they're suitable to support a bridge. This is also when alternatives, such as an implant or a denture, would be discussed.
What to Expect in General Terms
Fitting a bridge generally involves preparing the supporting teeth, taking an impression or scan, and having the bridge made in a dental laboratory before it's fitted at a further visit. As with a crown, preparing the supporting teeth is generally considered irreversible.
Considerations and Limitations
Because a bridge relies on the supporting teeth, their health and strength matter to how well the bridge performs over time. Bridges don't last indefinitely and may eventually need replacement. Cleaning underneath a bridge needs particular attention, since the missing tooth's original position is now bridged over rather than accessible in the usual way.
Looking After a Dental Bridge
Specific cleaning techniques, such as using tools designed to clean beneath the bridge, are generally part of caring for it, alongside regular check-ups. Your dentist would give tailored guidance as part of your treatment.
Related Treatments
For an alternative that doesn't involve the neighbouring teeth, see our Dental Implants pages. For a removable alternative, see Dentures.
General information only — every treatment decision follows an individual clinical assessment.