Bridges

What are bridges?

A bridge is a way of replacing a missing tooth. For a conventional bridge, a false tooth is made to replace the missing tooth.  This is then attached to a crown, or crowns, fitted to one or both of the teeth adjacent to the gap.

At your first appointment.

The dentist will work on the adjacent teeth at the first appointment, to prepare them for crowning. An impression of your teeth will be taken and sent to the laboratory. The dentist will fit a temporary bridge until the permanent bridge is ready.

Between appointments.

A permanent bridge will be manufactured at the laboratory. This will take approximately 2 weeks.

At your second appointment. (about 2 weeks later.)

The dentist will remove the temporary bridge and fit the permanent bridge.

As well as the conventional type of bridge, adhesive bridges are also available. These require less drilling, as they are attached by metal wings which are glued onto adjacent teeth. Adjacent bridges are less sturdy than the traditional type and may not be suitable for some patients.