Understanding your options
A bridge commonly uses one or more neighbouring teeth for support, although designs differ. The health and position of those teeth, your bite and the size of the gap influence which options can be considered.
Benefits and points to consider
Replacing a missing tooth can help restore chewing contact, support speech in some positions and close a visible space. A bridge stays fixed in the mouth and may feel more familiar than a removable appliance. The cause of tooth loss should also be considered, particularly when decay or gum disease could affect the supporting teeth. Conventional, cantilever and resin-retained designs place different demands on those teeth. The most appropriate choice depends on the gap, bite, available enamel, existing fillings and your priorities for cleaning and maintenance.
Your assessment in Ely
Assessment includes the gap, supporting teeth, gums and bite. We explain whether a bridge, implant or removable denture may be appropriate, including the effect each choice may have on nearby teeth.
What treatment involves
Treatment generally involves preparation, records for the dental laboratory and fitting. A temporary restoration may be used where appropriate while the bridge is made. The finished bridge is checked for fit, appearance and bite.
Care and next steps
Cleaning beneath and around a bridge is essential because plaque can collect at its margins. Interdental brushes or bridge floss may help. Regular examinations allow the supporting teeth, gums and restoration to be monitored.
Potential benefits
- Provides a fixed replacement for a missing tooth
- Can restore contact for chewing
- May support appearance and speech
- Several designs allow different levels of tooth preparation
What the treatment involves
- 1Assess the gap, the teeth either side, your gums and your bite, because the health and position of the supporting teeth largely determine which bridge designs can be considered.
- 2Discuss the bridge designs that may suit the gap, including conventional and resin-retained options, alongside alternatives such as an implant or denture and the preparation each involves.
- 3Prepare the supporting teeth only as the agreed design requires and take accurate impressions or digital scans so the laboratory can construct a bridge that fits precisely.
- 4Fit a temporary restoration where appropriate to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your appearance while the bridge is being made.
- 5Fit the bridge, check its fit, contact points and bite, confirm you can clean around and beneath it, and explain the review arrangements.
Comparing the options
| Option | How it is supported | Daily care |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge | Usually neighbouring teeth | Clean underneath |
| Implant crown | Implant in the jaw | Clean around gum margin |
| Denture | Removable appliance | Remove and clean daily |
Making an informed decision
Dental treatment should be based on an examination, a clear diagnosis and a conversation about what matters to you. At Broad Street Dental Care, we explain reasonable options, including the choice not to proceed, so you can weigh likely benefits, limitations, costs and maintenance. No webpage can determine whether a treatment is suitable for an individual mouth.
Dr Junaid Abbas Choudhry is the principal dentist at the practice and is registered with the General Dental Council under number 302053. You can also review the practice's independent regulatory information on its Care Quality Commission profile.