Dental bridges are an option to replace missing teeth. Some types of dental bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support and other involve dental implants for added stability.
Dental bridges are an option to replace missing teeth. Some types of dental bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support and other involve dental implants for added stability.
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Dental bridges are prosthetic devices designed to fill the gaps left by missing teeth, helping to restore both functionality and aesthetics to your smile. Consisting of one or more artificial teeth, dental bridges are anchored in place by neighboring natural teeth or dental implants.
They serve as a stable and durable solution for individuals with missing teeth, enhancing both oral health and appearance.
Resin-retained bridges offer a minimally invasive and aesthetically pleasing option for individuals with missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on dental implants or cut back natural teeth for support, resin-retained bridges are attached using metal or ceramic wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth.
This approach is particularly suitable for cases where the surrounding teeth are healthy and strong. Resin-retained bridges are a viable option when the gap is small, and the neighbouring teeth can provide adequate support.
While they may not be as robust as implant-supported bridges, they offer a conservative alternative, preserving the structure of adjacent teeth, providing a natural appearance and are initially less costly than dental implants
Conventional bridges serve as a robust solution for individuals dealing with missing teeth. In cases where dental implants may not be feasible or necessary, a conventional bridge can effectively restore both function and aesthetics. Comprising one or more artificial teeth, the bridge relies on the support of adjacent natural teeth, which are crowned to anchor the dental bridge in place.
This not only fills the gap left by missing teeth but also helps maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth. While not as invasive as dental implants, conventional bridges provide a reliable option for patients seeking a fixed and durable solution for their missing teeth.
| Composite Bonding | Porcelain Veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Composite resin (plastic and resin) | Porcelain (ceramic) |
| Appearance | Natural - but may stain over time | Natural and stain-resistant |
| Toughness | Less durable - may chip and stain | Highly durable - resistant to chipping or staining |
| Treatment required | No enamel removal, thus no injections required | Removal of enamel - will require some anaesthetic |
| Cost | £400 per tooth | From £850 per tooth |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years with maintenance | 15-20+ years with maintenance |
| Repairability | Easily repairable | More complex to repair |
| Personalisation | Can be completely customised during the procedure | Custom-made in a dental lab for a precise fit |
| Staining | Regular maintenance polishing required | Minimal maintenance with routine dental hygiene |
| Maintenance | Single Visit - average 4 hours Yearly maintainence polish required | Minimal maintenance with routine dental hygiene |
| Treatment Time | Single Visit - average 4 hours | Longer, will require at least 2 visits |
| Color Matching | Easy to adjust or match color to teeth | Precise color matching is possible along with enhancing whiteness |
| Who is it for? | Suitable for subtle cosmetic improvements and smile makeovers | For major cosmetic transformations |
| Strength | Weaker, more prone to chipping | Stronger, resists chipping and cracking |
| Aesthetics | Natural appearance | Highest level of aesthetics, matching the tooth textures and colour more closely |
| Reversibility | Reversible - as it can be removed without damaging underlying tooth | Not reversible as enamel is removed, and cant be replaced |
| Long-term Investment | Will require more frequent replacements | Longer-lasting solution with less replacements and maintainence |
| Suitablity | Small chips, gappy teeth, or discolorations | Severely stained, misshapen, or misaligned teeth |
| Composite Bonding | Porcelain Veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Composite resin (plastic and resin) | Porcelain (ceramic) |
| Appearance | Natural - but may stain over time | Natural and stain-resistant |
| Toughness | Less durable - may chip and stain | Highly durable - resistant to chipping or staining |
| Treatment required | No enamel removal, thus no injections required | Removal of enamel - will require some anaesthetic |
| Cost | £400 per tooth | From £850 per tooth |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years with maintenance | 15-20+ years with maintenance |
| Repairability | Easily repairable | More complex to repair |
| Personalisation | Can be completely customised during the procedure | Custom-made in a dental lab for a precise fit |
| Staining | Regular maintenance polishing required | Minimal maintenance with routine dental hygiene |
| Maintenance | Single Visit - average 4 hours Yearly maintainence polish required | Minimal maintenance with routine dental hygiene |
| Treatment Time | Single Visit - average 4 hours | Longer, will require at least 2 visits |
| Color Matching | Easy to adjust or match color to teeth | Precise color matching is possible along with enhancing whiteness |
| Who is it for? | Suitable for subtle cosmetic improvements and smile makeovers | For major cosmetic transformations |
| Strength | Weaker, more prone to chipping | Stronger, resists chipping and cracking |
| Aesthetics | Natural appearance | Highest level of aesthetics, matching the tooth textures and colour more closely |
| Reversibility | Reversible - as it can be removed without damaging underlying tooth | Not reversible as enamel is removed, and cant be replaced |
| Long-term Investment | Will require more frequent replacements | Longer-lasting solution with less replacements and maintainence |
| Suitablity | Small chips, gappy teeth, or discolorations | Severely stained, misshapen, or misaligned teeth |
Implant are predominantly made of titanium, but can also be made from other materials such as zirconia.
There will be minor adjustments to the teeth, but this is minimal, especially if the teeth have been straightened previously How will I know if I like the look of veneers? The dentist providing the veneers will look at the current shape of the teeth, their colour, your facial and gum contours as well as things like lip position and tooth symmetry to make a decision on the character and profile of the veneers. However, the dental lab can perform a waxed version attached to a study model of your teeth so you can see and even trial the smile before any treatment begins.
Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible
Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible
Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible
Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible
