A bridge is what I recommend when a patient wants a fixed replacement for a missing tooth but an implant is not the right option, whether for medical, timing or budget reasons. A well-made bridge is cemented in place, so there is nothing to take out at night and it feels like your own teeth when you eat.
For me the decision between a bridge and an implant comes down to the neighbouring teeth. If they already have large fillings or crowns, a bridge uses them sensibly. If they are healthy and untouched, I would rather not prepare sound teeth, and I will usually suggest you talk to Dr Pratt about an implant instead.
“The best bridge is the one you stop noticing within a week.”
— Dr. Mary Talbot, Associate Dentist
My recommendationAsk about implants before committing to a bridge. Even if a bridge is right for you, I want you to have chosen it knowing the alternative.
Questions patients ask me
Does fitting a bridge hurt?
No. The preparation and fitting are done under local anaesthetic, and any tenderness afterwards is mild and short-lived. A temporary bridge protects the teeth between appointments.
How do I clean underneath it?
With a floss threader, interdental brushes or a water flosser under the false tooth every day. We show you how at the fitting appointment, and our hygienist checks the technique at your six-monthly cleans.
How long will it last?
Ten to fifteen years is typical for a bridge that is well cleaned and reviewed regularly, and many last longer. Decay on the supporting teeth is the usual reason a bridge fails, which is why the cleaning matters.
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